The Ballantine's flavour is dependent on fingerprint malts[1][2] from Miltonduff and Glenburgie,[3] blended with 50 single malts and four single grains. The brand has won many accolades and awards for its products.[4]
The world's second highest selling Scotch whisky in 2021 (after Johnnie Walker),[5] it has historically been strong in Southern Europe.[6]
Ballantine's Scotch whisky can trace its heritage back to 1827, when farmer's son George Ballantine set up a small grocery store in Edinburgh supplying a range of whiskies to his clientele.[7] In 1865, George delegated the store's operation to his eldest son, Archibald, while he opened a larger establishment in Glasgow. Here he concentrated on the wine and spirit trade,[8] catering to clients that apparently included the Hindu Royal Family.[9] He also began to create his own blends. These inspired additional demand, drawing second son, George junior, into the business. Trading as "George Ballantine and Son Ltd", the firm added a bonded warehouse and began to export their Scotch. George senior retired in 1881 and died 10 years later at age 83 with George junior taking over.[8]
Business thrived under George junior. The company was awarded a Royal Warrant by Queen Victoria in 1895. In 1919, the family sold out profitably to the firm of Barclay and McKinlay. Building on the reputation and goodwill of the "Ballantine's" name, the new owners focused on developing it as a brand for their blended whiskies.[8] When increasing resources were needed to compete fully in the growing world market, the internationally experienced Canadian distilling concern of Hiram Walker Gooderham & Worts acquired Ballantine's in 1937[10]. The next year the company received the Grant of Heraldic Arms featured on their bottles,[8] recognising George Ballantine & Son as an "incorporation noble on the Noblesse of Scotland".[11]
The new owners' first task was to secure fillings, to which end the Miltonduff and Glenburgie Distilleries were purchased, and a massive new grain distillery – the largest in Europe – built at Dumbarton.[12] During the 1960s, Ballantine’s expanded its focus to continental European markets, which were then emerging as significant new destinations for Scotch whisky. By 1965, the brand had established a strong commercial presence in the region and subsequently adjusted its domestic operations to prioritise growing overseas demand.[13]
Strong distribution and the popularity of Scotch whisky in the mid-1980s were key influencers in growth. Ballantine's was named the number one brand in Europe and the third largest in the world in 1986 with the oldest product Ballantine's Finest. In 1987, the company became part of the global beverage conglomerate Allied Domecq.[14] In Korea, Ballantine's is the clear number one in the category with its ever-popular Ballantine's 17 in addition to 21 and 30.
In 2002, the large Dumbarton distillery was mothballed, and production shifted to the Strathclyde Grain distillery in the Gorbals of Glasgow.[8][15] In 2005, Ballantine's was acquired by Pernod Ricard.[8] Ballantine's still maintain a large bonded warehouse complex in Dumbarton East and a bottling plant to the North of the town.[15]
In 2006, Sandy Hyslop was appointed as Ballantine's Master Blender – the 5th Master Blender in Ballantine's 180-year history.[16]
In November 2024, Ballantine’s releases its first single grain expression, named Ballantine’s Single Distillery.[17]
Products
Five of Ballantine's whiskies, in a photo released by Pernod Ricard
Ballantine's produces a range of expressions with various characteristics and age statements:[18]
Ballantine’sFinest: blended – "soft, sweet and complex"
Ballantine’s Limited: blended – "creamy soft and smooth"
Ballantine’s12 Year Old: blended – "fresh, soft, and nutty"
Ballantine’s12 Year Old "Pure Malt": blended malt – "honey sweet, spicy and deep"
Ballantine’s 17 Year Old: blended – "creamy, harmonious and oak-sweetness"
Ballantine’s 21 Year Old: blended – "spig, aromatic and heather smoke"
Ballantine’s 30 Year Old: blended – "rich, oak influenced and lingering"
Ballantine’s40 Year Old: blended – "incredible depth, complex and extremely fruity"
Ballantine’s association with golf started in 1960 when the first Ballantine’s Tournament took place at Wentworth Club, and since then has sponsored many golf events.[105]
In 2007, Ballantine’s signed a three-year agreement and became an official sponsor for the Barclays Scottish Open.[108]
Ballantine’s Championship
From 2008, for five years[109], Ballantine’s was the title sponsor of the first European Tour event in Korea.[110]
BMW Masters (Shanghai)
In 2012, Ballantine’s was included as one of the sponsors of the BMW Masters.[111]
Kolon Korea Open
In 2014, Ballantine’s entered a three-year sponsorship agreement with the Korea Open Golf Championship.[112]
Ballantine’s Golf Club
In July 2014, Ballantine’s launched the Ballantine’s Golf Club[113], the first online golf club of its kind[114]. World-renowned golfer Ian Poulter was the club’s founding captain[113], followed by Paul McGinley in 2015[115].
References
↑When making a blended whiskey, a 'fingerprint malt' is the underlying single malt whisky used as its flavour base.
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