Ballantine’s Light Scotch Review

So, people are changing the way they consume alcohol. Some even go for low-alcohol and no-alcohol versions of classic drinks. And brands, then, have to innovate. To do so, they try new finishes or new timings. And then, there’s Ballantine’s, who decides to create Ballantine’s Light.

This is not a whisky. At least according to the European Union laws, it’s not, because it has been bottled at 20% ABV.  And any European whisky must be bottled, at least, at 40% ABV. * So, drinks giant Pernod Ricard has decided to go for this new low-alcohol trend and has created a couple of hybrid drinks. On one side, there’s Beefeater Light (for gin fans) and then there’s Ballantine’s Light (for whisky… lovers?). Ballantine’s Light is just your classic Ballantine’s Finest, but with a bit more water.

This spirit drink has been launched, as a first, in Spain. And if you want to know why on Earth Spain has been chosen for it, here’s a clue: we recently changed our advertising laws and now all drinks under 20% abv can be advertised on TV.  What a coincidence!

And what’s the point of it? I’m still trying to understand it myself. This has not really been thought of for whisky drinkers. Though some might try it for those times when you want to have something whiske-ish, but without the stronger alcohol consequences. It might also be useful for those who want to start drinking whisky.

The Scotch
On the eyes, it’s a classic e-150 caramel. On the nose works better than expected.  As it has been watered-down, you don’t feel the alcohol presence as much, so it seems softer. A bit herbal and fruity (citrus, apple). Though I can’t find that hint of smoke of Ballantine’s Finest.

On the palate, it’s watered down. Feels like having a glass of whisky on the rocks sometime after it has been served. When the ice has melted and has too much water to be enjoyable. Some fruity notes persist, and a bit of vanilla. And too much water. The finish is short, just a small reminder of what a whisky used to be.

I’ve wanted to give a second chance to Ballantine’s Light, so I’ve tried to mix it with Ginger Ale as Ballantine’s recommends it. And, when mixed, Ballantine’s Light disappears. The nuances you might find when drinking whisky mixed with Ginger Ale or Coke go almost unnoticed. You have to look hard to find them in the mix. Just as if you added a really small quantity of whisky to your soda of choice.

This time, I’ve been disappointed by Ballantine’s. I want to think that when a company invests in developing something new is because they want to do it right. I was very surprised with the results when Pernod Ricard launched Ballantine’s Brasil. And I expected the same – different but nicely rounded Ballantine’s surprise. Not the original whiskey, but something with good quality.

Ballantine’s Light has no nuances or character. It’s the bottle you are going to regret buying just after tasting it. I don’t see why someone would rather buy Ballantine’s Light, when you can pay the same for a bottle of Ballantine’s Finest. Do you want to try Ballantine’s Light? Just buy a Finest bottle and water it down. It will be cheaper and, if you don’t like it, you’ll still be able to drink the original blend.

The Price
Only available in Spain as a pilot, Ballantine’s Light is priced at €12,45.

* Editor’s Note: I am unaware of any country that actually has a whisky law that calls a 20% ABV spirit “whisky.” And yes, I realize that means it’s not Scotch Whisky either, but we have a format here and sometimes that means compromises.