About this whisky

Ballantine's story starts in 1827, when George Ballantine opened a grocer's shop in Edinburgh's Cowgate and began selling wines and whiskies. By the time he moved to a larger shop in Glasgow, he was blending his own, and the house style he built still guides the brand. Finest is the everyday heart of the range: a blend of more than 40 malt and grain whiskies, made to a recipe that has stayed essentially unchanged since 1910 and bottled in that distinctive square-shouldered bottle.

In the glass it is light gold, with honey and a touch of spice on the nose, then milk chocolate, red apple and vanilla on the palate before a fresh, rounded finish. It is a gentle, uncomplicated Scotch that works as well in a tall glass with soda as it does over ice. Keep a bottle on the bar for relaxed evenings with friends, or for a house party where you need a whisky most guests will enjoy. A dependable, crowd-pleasing pour from one of Scotland's best-known names.

Key facts

• Blend of more than 40 malt and grain whiskies
• Recipe has stayed consistent since 1910
• Brand traces back to George Ballantine's Edinburgh grocery, opened in 1827
• Owned by Pernod Ricard; imported Scotch

Tasting notes

Nose:

Honey with a gentle hint of spice

Palate:

Milk chocolate, red apple and vanilla, soft and smooth

Finish:

Fresh and well rounded

Serve

Pour over ice, or make a highball: 45 ml Ballantine's Finest topped with chilled soda or ginger ale and a lemon or orange wedge.

Food pairing

Works well with light, savoury snacks such as fish fingers, chicken pakoras or vegetable chops; its gentle sweetness also suits a mild chicken tikka.