Ballantine’s17YearOld40%(700mL)

<p>Meet Scotch Blend of the year 2019.</p><p><em>Ballantine’s </em>most likely doesn’t need a special introduction since it’s the world’s<em> second highest</em> selling Scotch. It was established back in <em>1827</em>, when <em>George Ballantine</em> hustled Whiskies, but their own blends started flowing after 1865, when George’s eldest son <em>Archibald</em> took over the reins. Now, they’re under<em> Pernod Ricard</em> with their bonded warehouse and bottling plant in Dumbarton. Their Master Blender is currently <em>Sandy Hyslop </em>(their fifth ever) and he’s making sure the brand’s belief in <em>“Staying True”</em> remains sacred.</p><p><em>Ballantine’s 17-year-old 40%</em> isn’t just a watered down original 17YO, although it has a slightly lower ABV (the regular expression is bottled at 43%). This <em>marvelous blend </em>is bright and smooth that will make you a recidivist (in the best possible way). Add a splash of water and there’s another floral world to be explored. It received <em>two gold medals</em> from The Scotch Whisky Masters, a gold at the International Wine & Spirit Competition, while Jim Murray crowned it the 2019 Scotch Blend of the Year. Now they’re just showing off.</p>