Ballantine’s Releases First Single Grain Whisky
Scotch whisky brand Ballantine’s has unveiled its first single grain expression, finished in two types of casks.
Master blender Sandy Hyslop blended grain whiskies from Strathclyde Distillery to create the expression, which was named Ballantine’s Single Distillery.
For many years, the Glasgow-based grain distillery has been a major component in Ballantine’s blends.
The new single grain offering is supposed to have sweet and flowery flavors like white peach, burnt pineapple, red apples, lemon zest, and toasted almonds on the palate. It has a double cask finish in rum and extra-charred American oak barrels.
Hyslop commented: “One of the things I enjoy most about my job as master blender is to be able to experiment and continue to push boundaries, just like our founder George Ballantine, who was doing things his own way and breaking conventional codes of whisky as far back as 1827.
“Ballantine’s Single Distillery was created to challenge perceptions of grain whisky and offers a whisky that really showcases the quality of the grain used. The addition of the double cask finish results in an exceptionally smooth Scotch, making for a refined drinking experience to savor during those finer moments in life.”
Ballantine’s Single Distillery Rolls to Whisky Markets
Ballantine’s Single Distillery, a permanent addition to the brand’s lineup, will be accessible starting in November 2024 and comes in an amber-colored bottle with a shiny copper crest. Each market has a different RRP.
Ballantine’s collaborated with Wu-Tang Clan frontman RZA on a limited-edition bottle earlier this year as part of the brand’s music-inspired collaboration series.
Two limited-edition bottle designs honoring John Lennon and Elton John were added to the brand’s True Music Icons collection in September.
The Chivas Brothers division of Pernod Ricard, located in Dumbarton, Scotland, produces blended Scotch whisky under the Ballantine’s name. Fingerprint malts from Miltonduff and Glenburgie, together with 50 single malts and four unique grains, are what give the Ballantine its flavor.
