Ballantine's

Finest new serve

Ballantine's

Product type	Scotch whisky
Owner	Pernod Ricard
Produced by
Country	Scotland
Introduced	1827
Discontinued
Related brands
Markets	Worldwide
Previous owners
Registered as a trademark in

Ballantine's is a brand of blended Scotch whisky produced in Scotland. It is one of the best-selling Scotch whiskies in the world and is known for its smooth and balanced flavor profile. The brand is currently owned by Pernod Ricard, a French multinational beverage company.

History

Ballantine's was established in 1827 by George Ballantine, a Scottish grocer who began selling whisky in his shop in Edinburgh. Over time, the business expanded, and George's son, Archibald, joined the company, leading to the creation of George Ballantine and Son Ltd. The brand gained a reputation for quality and was awarded a Royal Warrant of Appointment by Queen Victoria in 1895.

In 1937, the company was acquired by Hiram Walker Gooderham & Worts, a Canadian distillery group, which helped to expand the brand's global reach. Later, in 1987, Ballantine's became part of the Allied Domecq portfolio, and in 2005, it was acquired by Pernod Ricard.

Production

Ballantine's is produced using a blend of malt and grain whiskies sourced from various distilleries across Scotland. The brand's core range includes several expressions, such as Ballantine's Finest, Ballantine's 12 Year Old, Ballantine's 17 Year Old, and Ballantine's 21 Year Old. Each expression is crafted to deliver a unique flavor profile, with the older whiskies offering more complexity and depth.

The blending process is overseen by the Master Blender, who ensures consistency and quality in every bottle. The whiskies are aged in oak casks, which impart flavors of vanilla, honey, and spice to the final product.

Varieties

Ballantine's offers a range of whiskies to cater to different tastes and preferences. Some of the notable expressions include:

• Ballantine's Finest: The flagship expression, known for its smooth and balanced flavor.
• Ballantine's 12 Year Old: A richer and more complex whisky with notes of honey and oak.
• Ballantine's 17 Year Old: A premium expression with a deeper and more nuanced flavor profile.
• Ballantine's 21 Year Old: An ultra-premium whisky with a sophisticated and refined taste.

Awards

Ballantine's has received numerous awards and accolades over the years, recognizing its quality and craftsmanship. The brand has been honored at various international spirits competitions, including the International Wine and Spirit Competition and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Related Pages

• Scotch whisky
• Pernod Ricard
• Blended whisky
• Royal Warrant of Appointment
• International Wine and Spirit Competition
• San Francisco World Spirits Competition