Parkersback Posted July 14, 2013 Share Posted July 14, 2013 A local store just placed Ballantine's 17 Year Old on sale for $49.99, and I'm tempted to snag a bottle, if only for the novelty of buying something for half of usual retail. I do like to venture to the Dark Side now and again, and I even love me some blends now and again (e.g. Great King St.), so it wouldn't be a huge stretch. But I wondered if anyone here had a strong opinion one way or another. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
macdeffe Posted July 14, 2013 Share Posted July 14, 2013 No brainerIts a blend designed to be smooth. It has low ABV. Its not going to be scary but its a very delicious dram that has a lot on the subtle side to add. Steffen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
squire Posted July 14, 2013 Share Posted July 14, 2013 I'll agree with Steffen, sometimes I just want something nice that I can enjoy without thinking too much about it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sutton Posted July 14, 2013 Share Posted July 14, 2013 I recommend it, esp. at that price - normally I see it closer to $80 or more, so that is a nice price!The newer bottling comes in a blue box, and has a "17 year old" band around the shoulder of the bottle. The prior bottling was in a red box without the shoulder label. I've had both, and enjoyed both. Well balanced with a healthy peat note - nothing like an Islay, but it is there and well balanced with the other components.I think the one Jim Murray raved about was in the blue box, but either will not disappoint. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
portwood Posted July 14, 2013 Share Posted July 14, 2013 No brainerIts a blend designed to be smooth. It has low ABV. Its not going to be scary but its a very delicious dram that has a lot on the subtle side to add. SteffenI'll agree with Steffen, sometimes I just want something nice that I can enjoy without thinking too much about it.Agree with both.With blends, the older they are the closer they drink to single malts*, and 50 bucks for a good quality single malt is a good deal.If I could get it for $50 around here (normally sells for $90) I would buy a case.* this is due mainly to two factors: (1) grain whisky tends to be better the older it is (not necessarily true with SM), and (2) they tend to use higher % of SM and better cask selection in older blends in order to justify the hefty premiums over the regular Ballantines (which is probably mostly 3-5yo whisky). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
squire Posted July 14, 2013 Share Posted July 14, 2013 The Scottish Blenders are Masters of the Art. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tanstaafl2 Posted July 14, 2013 Share Posted July 14, 2013 Wow, saw this on the shelf today. List price is 129.99! IS that the bottle you are talking about? If it were marked down to $50 here it would seem like a steal. Assuming it was something you wanted of course. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sutton Posted July 14, 2013 Share Posted July 14, 2013 Wow, saw this on the shelf today. List price is 129.99! IS that the bottle you are talking about?[ATTACH=CONFIG]15999[/ATTACH]If it were marked down to $50 here it would seem like a steal. Assuming it was something you wanted of course.That looks like the older bottling - but $130 is at least $40 more than you should pay before discounting! I think The Party Source has it for about $83; I've seen it generally between $90 and $95... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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