Ballantine's Finest

Tasted in Whisky Magazine Issue 9 by Michael Jackson and Paul Pacult.

Whisky Magazine is the perfect complement to the dram in your glass. Every issue brings you fascinating articles on the art, science and romance of the 'water of life', plus page after page of tasting notes.

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Tasting Notes

Michael Jackson Nose Perfumy. Very fragrant smokiness. Palate Soft and light. Silky, oily peaty. A therapeutically medicinal relaxant. Finish Lemon-honey. Some late sweeetness. Late surge of gentle warmth. Comment Very gentle, but a precise clarity of flavours. Drink while listening to Vivaldi.

Paul Pacult Nose Sweet and grainy, like cereal with honey. No discernible hints of wood, smoke or peat. A no-frills aroma, solid, likeable, undemanding. Palate Unabashedly sweet and near syrupy from palate entry through mid-palate. The sweetness is grainy, not fruity or flowery. Light-to-medium bodied. Finish Notes of caramel and nougat are featured in the ultra-sweet aftertaste. Comment For those imbibers who relish a honeyed/caramel core to their whisky. If you prefer the more sinewy, definitive elements of oak or smoke, stay clear.