How to drink Ballantine’s blended and single malt scotch whisky
To put it bluntly, there’s no wrong way to drink Ballantine’s whisky.
Our expertly blended and single malt scotch is meant to be enjoyed whichever way you want, whether on its own, in a cocktail or with your favourite mixer.
As our master blender, Sandy Hislop says…
“Stay true to your own taste, because the best way to drink ballantine’s is exactly the way you like it.”
In need of some inspiration? If you’re after a bit of guidance then read on. Here we share how to drink Ballantine’s whisky, your way.
What goes best with Ballantine’s?
Ballantine’s whisky is sourced from all corners of Scotland and aged in oak casks for at least three years. That’s what makes it a true Scotch and gives our bottles a beautifully rich flavour and colour.
We have a few different whiskies here at Ballantine’s. And your chosen one might change how you prefer to drink it. Here’s our suggestions on how best to drink the Ballantine’s most popular bottles:
Ballantine’s Finest
Our signature distinctly shaped bottle has stayed true to its original recipe since 1910, winning it the title of world’s best blended scotch 2020. It’s soft, heather honey aroma is balanced by sweet flavours of red apple, vanilla and chocolate, finished by a hint of spice.
Ballantine’s Finest goes best with almost any flavour. From fruity mixers to sour highballs, spiced drinks to dessert inspired digestifs – if it works for you, it works.
We love to use it as the base for some of our most creative whisky cocktails. Fan of a whisky sour? Check out our Eastern twist on this classic cocktail made with the lychee fruit. Or switch out an Espresso Martini for the coolest caffeinated drink in town, the cream soda and whisky based Scots Coffee.
Check out more ways to drink Ballantine’s Finest below.
Ballantine’s 12 Year Old
Ballantine’s 12 Year Old is a whisky close to our heart. Crafted by our very own master blender (who tried a fair few samples before selecting the recipe), this bottle was made with a passion for whisky, for those with a passion for whisky.
The honey-sweet scotch offers refreshing floral notes and a creamy oakiness that makes it perfect to drink alone or with ingredients that elevate its complex flavours. We enjoy it in a classic whisky cocktail. Pair with honey and ginger in a fiery Penicillin or make yourself a scotch Manhattan with a Rob Roy.
Ballantine’s 17 Year Old
The golden amber hues of Ballantine’s 17 Year Old whisky is matched with a deep, rich flavour gained from longer maturation. Think vibrant honey sweetness with a hint of liquorice, velvety full fruits and creamy vanilla. It’s slightly smoky, slightly spicy and very easy to drink.
Pour yourself a dram and sip with a sense of occasion. Or mix it your way with your favourite flavours. We like it fruity in the Guadalupe, a lemon and charred pineapple cocktail that whisks you away to palm fringed shores. Or highlight the bold richness of 17 Year Old in a Sazerac style serve that’s seriously smoky.
Ballantine’s 21 Year Old
For an intense and rich serve, try Ballantine’s 21 Year Old whisky. This indulgent scotch has a smooth balanced taste of aromatic spice, apple and mellow dried fruit. It’s special enough to save, but also worthy of a sip just because.
When not drunk on the rocks or with a splash of water, we enjoy this blend in some of our more delicate cocktail recipes such as White Orchid, a vanilla whisky drink that celebrates 21 Year Old’s natural notes of apple and liquorice. Or try Eastern Promise, a fragrant citrus mix of lime, orange and marzipan, accompanied by coffee bitters.
Ballantine’s 30 Year Old
Moved house? Got married? Ballantine’s 30 Year Old whisky is best enjoyed as a reward for something truly memorable. Or not, because everyday can be an occasion.
The powerful, deep blend of this award-winning scotch is one to savour, crafted from the flavours of incredibly rare whiskies aged 30 years and over. Discover notes of juicy pear and peach, floral honey and vanilla oakiness. We love to drink it on the rocks with a simple cube of ice, or paired with delicate fruits and honey and in an elegant sweet whisky cocktail.
What are the best mixers for Ballantine’s whisky?
If you fancy a tipple that’s easy to make and easy to drink, then a whisky mixer is a great way to enjoy Ballantine’s. Some of the best mixers are the most simple ones, think classic combos such as a whisky cola, a whisky ginger ale or a whisky tonic.
But the versatile nature of Ballantine’s means that you can pair it with any juice, soda or soft drink that takes your fancy from coconut water to iced tea. Take a look at our guide to whisky mixers to get inspired.
Ready to mix up your Ballantine’s? Find more ways to drink your favourite whisky with our library of whisky cocktails. You’ll find everything from classic whisky drinks to dessert cocktails and sweet and sour recipes.
