Ballantine's Finest: Forty Whiskies from Four Scottish Regions Since 1910 — The Global Blended Scotch

Item: Ballantine's Finest: Forty Whiskies from Four Scottish Regions Since 1910 — The Global Blended Scotch
Rating: 7
Author: Joe Whitfield

Joe Whitfield April 10, 2026 1 views

7 /10

EDITOR

Distillery: Various (Pernod Ricard)
Type: Scotch
Age: NAS
ABV: 40% ABV
Price: £22

Tasting Notes

Nose

Soft heather honey — a hint of spice, elegant and inviting, the forty-whisky blend producing a harmonious aromatic

Palate

Well balanced — milk chocolate, red apple, vanilla, Christmas cake, dried fruit, hints of peat and smoke, fudge, the blend designed for smooth approachability

Finish

Fresh and floral — rounded glow, the forty whiskies creating a satisfying if brief close, best over ice or in cocktails

First Impressions

Ballantine's dates to 1827 when George Ballantine began blending in Edinburgh. The Finest expression combines forty malt and grain whiskies from four Scottish regions. The world's second best-selling Scotch whisky (after Johnnie Walker).

Tasting

The nose is soft honey with spice. On the palate at 40%, milk chocolate, red apple, and vanilla with hints of peat. The finish is fresh and floral.

The Verdict

Ballantine's Finest earns a 6 — a competent everyday blend designed for mixing. Not a sipper, but reliable and smooth. At £22, the blended Scotch workhorse.

Where to Buy

Master of Malt
£21.50

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The Whisky Exchange
£24.95

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Joe Whitfield

Editor-in-Chief

Joe has spent over fifteen years immersed in the whiskey industry, beginning his career at a Speyside distillery before moving into drinks journalism. As Editor-in-Chief at Whiskeyful.com, he oversees...