Name: Ballantine's 12 Year Old
Brand: Ballantine's
Price: 34.48 GBP
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.3 (36 reviews)

Question 1

What does Ballantine's 12 Year Old taste like?

Accepted Answer

Ballantine's 12 Year Old is characterised by Malt Extract, Toasted, Honey, Vanilla, Sandy notes. Ballantine's 12-year-old Scotch blend draws its core from Miltonduff and Glenburgie single malts plus around fifty other distilleries. A classic blended expression with balanced, approachable character built on decades of blending expertise.

Question 2

Is Ballantine's 12 Year Old smoky or peaty?

Accepted Answer

No — Ballantine's 12 Year Old is not smoky. It scores only 0/100 on smoke, with minimal or no peaty character.

Question 3

Is Ballantine's 12 Year Old sweet?

Accepted Answer

Ballantine's 12 Year Old has some sweetness (64/100) but it's balanced by other flavours — not a dessert dram.

Question 4

Is Ballantine's 12 Year Old good for beginners?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Ballantine's 12 Year Old is approachable and a great starting point. Its Malt Extract, Toasted, Honey character makes it accessible at 40% ABV.

Question 5

Is Ballantine's 12 Year Old worth the money?

Accepted Answer

Yes — at £34.48 with a community rating of 4.3/5 from 36 ratings, Ballantine's 12 Year Old offers excellent value. It's a Neatly Value Pick.

Question 6

Should I drink Ballantine's 12 Year Old neat or with water?

Accepted Answer

Ballantine's 12 Year Old is enjoyable neat at 40% ABV. A few drops of water can also help open up the nose and soften the finish.

Question 7

What food pairs well with Ballantine's 12 Year Old?

Accepted Answer

Ballantine's 12 Year Old pairs well with honey cake, crème brûlée, mild soft cheeses, and glazed nuts. The sweet, honeyed character complements these flavours naturally.

Question 8

What glass should I use for Ballantine's 12 Year Old?

Accepted Answer

A Glencairn glass is ideal for Ballantine's 12 Year Old — its tulip shape concentrates the aromas and lets you appreciate the full nose. A nosing glass or copita also works well.

Question 9

What is the best serving temperature for Ballantine's 12 Year Old?

Accepted Answer

Serve Ballantine's 12 Year Old at room temperature (around 18–22°C). Avoid chilling it — cold temperatures suppress the aromas. If the room is warm, a brief rest after pouring is all it needs.

Question 10

What is the community rating for Ballantine's 12 Year Old?

Accepted Answer

Ballantine's 12 Year Old is rated 4.3/5 on Neatly based on 36 community ratings. A strong, well-regarded expression.

Question 11

Is Ballantine's 12 Year Old similar to Elijah Craig Straight Rye?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Ballantine's 12 Year Old and Elijah Craig Straight Rye share a similar flavour profile (Toasted, Honey, Vanilla) and are in a similar price range. Elijah Craig Straight Rye costs £46.75 vs £34.48 for Ballantine's 12 Year Old.

Question 12

Is Ballantine's 12 Year Old similar to New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Ballantine's 12 Year Old and New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt) share a similar flavour profile (Toasted, Honey, Vanilla) and are in a similar price range. New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt) costs £39.95 vs £34.48 for Ballantine's 12 Year Old.

Question 13

How does Ballantine's 12 Year Old compare to Big Peat at Christmas 2021?

Accepted Answer

Ballantine's 12 Year Old and Big Peat at Christmas 2021 are in a similar price range but offer very different experiences. Ballantine's 12 Year Old is sweet and approachable, while Big Peat at Christmas 2021 is known for Smokey, Medicinal, Coal-gas notes. See the full comparison on Neatly.

Ballantine's 12 Year Old

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