Ballantine’s sweetens up for newcomers
Chivas Brothers-owned Ballantine’s has unveiled a new expression that blends classic Scotch with ‘indulgent sweet notes’, catering to both whisky lovers and newcomers alike.
Ballantine’s Sweet Blend is described as a premium spirit drink that ‘masterfully intertwines’ the classic essence of Scotch whisky with sweet notes of caramel and vanilla, creating a ‘delightfully versatile’ pour.
The 30% ABV expression is said to be an answer to the rising demand for sweeter, more approachable spirits, and was crafted by a team of whisky experts lead by Ballantine’s master blender Sandy Hyslop.
Hyslop commented: “Crafting Ballantine’s Sweet Blend was a truly rewarding experience. By layering the classic notes of Scotch whisky with sweet flavours, we’ve created a spirit that is both distinctive and incredibly versatile.
“This new creation breaks down the traditional barriers of Scotch whisky, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy its elegance of whisky in a fresh, new way.”
The blend opens with hints of hazelnut and butterscotch, followed by rich flavours of toffee apples, milk chocolate, crème brûlée and vanilla fudge, culminating in a smooth and creamy finish.
The spirit drink is housed in Ballantine’s ‘iconic’ square-shaped bottle, with the liquid within highlighted by a distinctive bronze label – a nod to the Scotch brand’s ‘timeless’ heritage.
Ballantine’s says it has championed ‘values of authenticity and staying true to oneself’ since its inception almost 200 years ago, and it was this ethos that guided the brand to innovate while honouring its rich heritage – ensuring that every new creation remains genuine and true to the brand’s roots.
It says this new product exemplifies this commitment, encouraging whisky drinkers to enjoy Ballantine’s ‘the way they like it’, and as such allowing them to experience the ‘elegance and quality’ of the Scotch in a manner that suits their personal taste.
Ballantine’s Sweet Blend is available to purchase from today (24 February) exclusively in Poland, before rolling out in other markets.
At the end of last year, Ballantine’s unveiled its first single grain whisky, and also debuted its second 40-year-old blend.
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