Ballantines Finest (40%, OB, +/-2010)

The nose is off bees wax, alfalfa, grapefruit, pizza dough all inter mixed with some slight peat smoke, a little saw dust (perhaps saw mill notes?), walnut shells, nutmeg, some really good notes from the oak side of the house. The grain whisky is certainly present and is a welcome addition to the aromas. A little time in the glass and some hand warming opens up the aromas. The taste is rich and sweet with malt, some really good oak spice and some rich creamy notes all backed by some delicate peat smoke (which is very nice). Actually quite a bit of toffee. The finish is vibrant and shows some of the pizza dough but this soon vanishes to reveal more of the toffee and some nice honey tinged with the peat smoke. A very long finish and good all the way.

A dram not to be rushed and it is fine just the way it is, no need to drown it with ice! Very moreish. Give it a try some time of you have the chance.

$27

Score 87 points 

Part one of three this week looking at three very distinctive blended Scotch whiskies.