Ballantine's

Ballantine’s is one of the world’s best-selling blended Scotch whiskies, renowned for its smooth, balanced style and broad appeal across more than 160 markets. Founded in 1827 by George Ballantine in Edinburgh, the brand has grown from a small family-run grocery store selling premium spirits into a global whisky powerhouse, consistently ranked among the top three Scotch brands by volume.

George Ballantine began as a grocer and wine merchant, but his reputation for selecting and blending fine whiskies quickly attracted a loyal clientele. By the mid-19th century, Ballantine’s was supplying carefully crafted blends to customers across Scotland and beyond. After George’s retirement, his sons expanded the business, building strong relationships with distillers and securing high-quality malt and grain whiskies for the blends.

Today, Ballantine’s is owned by Pernod Ricard and produced primarily at the Strathclyde Grain Distillery in Glasgow, with key malt components sourced from a network of distilleries including Miltonduff and Glenburgie in Speyside. These signature malts form the heart of Ballantine’s blends, giving them their honeyed, floral, and fruity character.

The Ballantine’s range is built on a philosophy of balance, smoothness, and versatility, achieved by blending over 40 different single malts and grain whiskies. The brand’s master blender ensures that each expression retains the hallmark Ballantine’s profile — soft sweetness, gentle fruit, and subtle spice, while allowing the influence of age and cask type to shine through.

Flavour-wise, Ballantine’s whiskies are known for their approachability and consistency. Expect aromas of honey, apple, and gentle floral notes, leading to a palate of vanilla, soft toffee, and light spice, all wrapped in a creamy mouthfeel. The finish is typically smooth and lingering, with subtle sweetness and a whisper of smoke from the small amount of peated malt in the blend.

Ballantine’s has long been celebrated for its versatility, enjoyable neat, over ice, or in long drinks and cocktails. Its lighter style makes it particularly popular in highball serves, a tradition especially embraced in Asian markets.

With nearly two centuries of blending expertise, Ballantine’s has become synonymous with dependable quality and accessible luxury. Its ability to deliver a consistent, recognisable flavour profile while offering aged expressions of remarkable depth has secured its place as a staple in both home bars and professional settings worldwide.

Our Ballantine’s selection includes the accessible Finest and 12 Year Old, as well as prestige-aged statements and limited editions. Whether you’re introducing someone to Scotch for the first time or seeking a refined, long-aged blend, Ballantine’s delivers smoothness, harmony, and a legacy of blending excellence dating back to the early 19th century.