Ballantine’s 10yo Whisky

Distillery Background and History

Ballantine’s is a Scotch whisky brand established by George Ballantine in Edinburgh in 1827. Over time, Ballantine’s evolved into a major blended whisky house, with Chivas Brothers (Pernod Ricard) now owning the brand. The blend integrates over 50 single malts and 4 grain whiskies, with core “fingerprint malts” being Miltonduff and Glenburgie. 

Master Distiller and Production Philosophy

The master blender of Ballantine’s strives for consistency across its expressions. For the 10 Year Old, the philosophy is to deliver a youthful yet refined blend that balances vibrancy and softness, using malt and grain components matured at least 10 years. 

Source of Ingredients (Grain, Water, Yeast)

Ballantine’s uses malt whiskies (from the fingerprint malts) and grain whiskies drawn from multiple Scottish regions. Water and yeast sources correspond to the production distilleries supplying the blend; they are not publicly detailed per expression. 

Distillation Process

Malt whiskies are distilled via copper pot stills under traditional Scotch methods, and grain whiskies via column stills. The blending of matured components is what shapes the final character of the 10 Year expression.

Maturation & Cask Information

All whiskies entering this blend are matured at least 10 years, with significant use of American white oak casks (ex-bourbon style) to impart oak and vanilla character. 

Tasting Notes

Nose: Golden honey, oak, vanilla, soft floral and orchard fruit aromas. 

Palate: Complex honey and floral flavors underpinned by creamy oak sweetness. 

Finish: Long, refreshing and sweet. 

Food Pairing Suggestions

Pairs nicely with mild cheeses, soft desserts (honey cake, crème caramel), fresh fruit (pear, apple), or light pastries.

Service Suggestions and Ideal Glassware

Serve neat or with a few drops of water to open up aromas. Use a Glencairn or tulip whisky glass to concentrate the bouquet. Ideal tasting temperature ~16-18 °C.

Storage and Aging Potential

Once bottled, the whisky is stable; further aging in bottle will not significantly evolve it. Store upright in a cool (15-20 °C), dark, stable environment. After opening, consume within 1–2 years for best expression.

Grain Type & Mash Bill (if applicable)

Blended Scotch (combination of malt + grain whiskies)

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

40 %