Ballantine's Whisky is traceable back to 1827 when George Ballantine opened a grocery store in Edinburgh to supply whisky to his customers.

His eldest son Archibald took over the shop in 1865, whilst George decided to open a second and larger store in Glasgow.

George's second son, George (junior) took over the business in 1881.

The business was sold to Barclay & Mckinlay in 1919 who decided to focus on Ballantine's as a brand name for their blended scotch whiskies.

Hiram Walker purchased Ballantine's in 1937 and in order to sustain supplies they also acquired MiltonDuff & Glenburgie distilleries, along with founding the Dumbarton grain distillery which was eventually mothballed in 2002.

Pernod Ricard (the current owners) purchased Ballantine's in 2005.

Ballantine's, 17y, 43%

Typical cost of this bottle; €€€€€

Glass: Classic Malt

Colour: Golden yellow

Nose: Initially honey with sweet malt, almost popcorn and hints of light toffee. After 2-3 minutes there is a slight leafiness which includes a hint of new and fine Italian leather loafer.

Palate: Extremely smooth before a hint of pepper tingles the very front of the tongue and then fades. The flavour is one of slightly leafy creamy toffee and butterscotch, with a hint of honey.

Finish: Long and lingering with butterscotch and a hint of hay.

Overall Impression: An enjoyable blended whisky, smooth and very palatable.