Ballantines — Page 3

Ballantine’s New 17 & 21 Year Old – Limited Edition Gold Packs

April 14, 2014 by Gary Leave a Comment

Ballantine’s 21 Year Old – Limited Edition Gold Pack

Ballantine’s has announced the 2014 release of its popular Limited Edition Golf Packs, available for its 17 and 21 Year Old blends.

The 2014 packaging features the silhouette of a golfer in full swing with the Ballantine’s iconic ‘B’ in the background, while the gold foil and printing of the logo directly onto the glass epitomises the superior quality of both Ballantine’s 17 Year Old and Ballantine’s 21 Year Old.

The green colour of the bottle and box of Ballantine’s 17 Year Old links back to golf courses, while the cream box highlights the premium credentials of Ballantine’s 21 Year Old.

Peter Moore, Ballantine’s Global Brand Director, said: “We are excited to release this year’s Ballantine’s Limited Edition Golf Packs, which stay true to our golfing heritage and support our ongoing presence within the sport.”

The Ballantine’s Golf Limited Edition Packs are available now in Asia Duty Free, Korea, China, Taiwan and Poland.

Ballantine’s Presents Ben Mead’s Art of Drumming

April 8, 2014 by Gary Leave a Comment

Ben Mead

London based drummer and musician Ben Mead, conducted an eye-catching and innovative experiment for Ballantines recently. The aim was to capture the shapes, patterns and skills that define his art form.

In order to capture the stunning light trails, a bespoke application was developed in the C++ computer programming language.

An HD video feed from the main shoot camera pulls out the LED-tipped drumsticks.

The trails were not computer generated, but come directly from the images from the camera, creating light trails of the desired length and intensity.

In addition, a 360 degree ‘time slice rig’ was used to capture the light trails in 3D.

You can see the amazing results at http://youtu.be/JLSC5HUbvcQ

Tasting Ballantine’s Brasil – Summer Is Here!

April 4, 2014 by Gary Leave a Comment

The Brasil Cocktail Kit

The recent launch of Ballantine’s Brasil – a new lime-infused spirit drink – has been a revelation to me.

I really enjoyed it!

I wasn’t sure I would as, after all, it is a bit different to the usual perception of whisky and the whiskies I taste and enjoy.

It is made by steeping Scotch whisky with Brazilian lime peel to create a spirit with an ABV of 35% with a delicate combination of citrus and vanilla and is aimed at people who are new to Scotch as well as existing Ballantine’s drinkers.

Ballantine’s has also developed a new drink for the Ballantine’s Brasil called the Highland Samba as well as a range of other cocktails.

It mixes Ballantine’s Brasil and lemonade, served over ice and topped with two freshly-cut slices of lime.

The other Brazilian-themed cocktails are:-

Glen Rio: a mix of Ballantine’s Brasil and apple juice
Flower O’Brasil: Ballantine’s Brasil mixed with freshly squeezed lime and elderflower
Caledinho: Ballantine’s Brasil combined with freshly squeezed lime and mixed with crushed sugar
Glen Coco: The Caledinho, with the addition of coconut

Peter Moore, Global Brand Director for Ballantine’s, said: “There is a huge opportunity for spirit drinks that are made with whisky, as it’s an exceptionally dynamic new category that is already demonstrating a strong rate of growth.

Ballantine’s Brasil is a venture into new territory for us, but we’re excited to have a product that can take advantage of this opportunity and one that can truly inspire those who have not yet found their perfect way to enjoy a Scotch whisky drink.

We hope that Ballantine’s Brasil will excite a new generation of consumers with the combination of Scottish authenticity and Brazilian passion!”

There is also a website, www.mixitwithbrasil.com, where you can find a series of tutorials on how to ‘Mix it with Brasil’ and create your own favourite Ballantine’s Brasil cocktails!

So, what did I think?

I got to try the first three cocktails plus I thought I’d try the classic coke combination.

Here are my tasting notes … and the one which was my favourite!

Ballantine’s Brasil – Straight Up

Although it’s aimed at being a cocktail mixer I thought I’d try Ballantine’s Brasil neat.

Nose: Tangy lime and rich vanilla hit you straight away with hints of whisky.

Palate: Smooth, sweet vanilla and lime.

Finish: Long finish with tangy lime and a slight touch of spice.

Overall: Very nice! Certainly an enjoyable drink on it’s own and for people not too familiar with whisky.

The Highland Samba

Highland Samba

Pour 2 shots of Ballantine’s Brasil into a long glass and top up with ice and lemonade.

Drop in or squeeze a lime wedge to finish.

Nose: Lovely tangy fresh lime makes you feel tropical and ready for a holiday!

Palate: Fresh lime with an alcohol hit. The zestyness is refreshing, like a cold shower after a hot days sunbathing!

Finish: Syrupy lime aftershock!

Overall: The sweetness of the lemonade tempers the sharpness of the lime nicely. Very refreshing. Beware! It is very morish!

The Glen Rio

Glen Rio

Pour 2 shots of Ballantine’s Brasil into a long glass and top up with ice and fresh apple juice.

Drop in a slice of apple as a finishing touch.

Nose: Apple, lime and vanilla – a cocktail of tempting fragrances!

Palate: Syrup like apple mixed with lime.

Finish: The lime finish wins out over the apple to give a tangy ending.

Overall: A long refreshing drink with a hint of apple healthiness. Great for an afternoon cocktail.

Flower O’Brasil

Pour 2 shots of Ballantine’s Brasil, one shot of elderflower cordial and squeeze a lime wedge into a stirring vessel.

Stir well and pour into a coupette and garnish with lime zest.

(No pictures as I didn’t have the right glass!)

Nose: Lovely zesty lime and elderflower rich syrup.

Palate: Warming Liqueur with sweet lime. Well balanced with mango and passion fruit.

Finish: Pleasant ginger spice.

Overall: Excellent as an after dinner Liqueur or as an aperitif – or both!

Brasil n’ Coke!

Brasil n’ Coke

Pour 2 shots of Ballantine’s Brasil into a long glass and top up with ice and coke. Squeeze in some lime and garnish with a lime slice.

Nose: Fresh zesty lime and sweet coke.

Palate: All the great flavours of whisky n’ coke but the added lime and vanilla is amazing!

Finish: Sweet lime and vanilla finish.

Overall: A classic but make sure you squeeze some lime in for that vitamin C hit!

Two other cocktails that I didn’t get to try:-

Caledinho

Chop a lime into sixteen pieces and add into a copper mug together with two teaspoons of caster sugar. Muddle well.

Add 2 shots of Ballantine’s Brasil, crushed ice and stir well.

Add crushed ice again to build a snow cone and garnish with lime wedge and straws.

Glen Coco

Chop a lime into sixteen pieces and add into a silver mug with one shot of coconut syrup and muddle well.

Add 2 shots of Ballantine’s Brasil, crushed ice and stir well.

Add crushed ice again to build a snow cone and garnish with lime wedge or toasted coconut flakes.

My Favourite

As a lover of coke I thought this one was going to be the top of my list – but to my surprise the lemonade came out as my favourite – sweet, refreshing and very morish!

I’d also like to try the elderflower cordial in a long drink with fizzy spring water replacing the lemonade – I think that could be a winner!

Many thanks to the team at Richmond Towers (@DrinksPRAgency) for sending the The Brasil Cocktail Kit!

And of course, Ballentines, without which!

Ballantine’s Asks “Are You Your Selfie?”

March 31, 2014 by Gary Leave a Comment

Ballantine’s Asks “Are You Your Selfie?”

ARE YOU YOUR SELFIE?

This is the question Ballantine’s Scotch whisky is asking people around the world with the launch of a new website that allows individuals to see what the images they share of themselves online says about them to others.

As soon as others begin leaving their opinions, the person whose image has been uploaded is notified and will be able to view the most common “impressions” that their image has left, ultimately seeing whether the way that others perceive them is in line with the way they see themself.

However, through ‘Are You Your Selfie?’, Ballantine’s aims to encourage people to express themselves in a way that is both genuine and authentic. It hopes to establish how true people are really being with their personal portraits, and whether others see them in the same light.

Peter Moore, Global Brand Director for Ballantine’s, said: “Given the current trend for selfies amongst the millennial generation, we hope that this exciting initiative will stimulate conversation amongst Ballantine’s fans online and provoke them to think about whether they are presenting a true reflection of themselves when they share photos online.

His determination to be original and to stay true to his convictions remains at the heart of the brand to this day, so it is very fitting that we are launching this new online social experiment, which encourages our fans to stay true to themselves.”

Visit www.areyouyourselfie.com to find out more.

Ballantines Puts A Smile On Your T-Shirt!

January 31, 2014 by Gary Leave a Comment

The tshirtOS 2.0 was launched in Paris

Ballantines has unveiled tshirtOS 2.0 – the worlds first scrunchable and washable digital t-shirt which allows wearers to display text of their choice and animation in real time.

The un-veiling took place during Pernod Ricard’s “Innovation Day” event in Paris.

Representing one of the most advanced pieces of apparel-focused wearable technology available today, tshirtOS 2.0 is an illuminated blank canvas – an innovative approach to using technology for the purpose of self-expression and to show the world the ‘True You’, abiding by the Ballantine’s mantra of ‘Stay True’.

It is controlled by a mobile app.

Peter Moore, Global Brand Director for Ballantine’s, commented: “tshirtOS 2.0 represents a truly innovative way for consumers to express themselves and answer Ballantine’s invitation to ‘Stay True’, by literally creating and then wearing an expression of themselves on their chest.”

Alison Lewis, Founder of SWITCH and co-creator of tshirtOS 2.0, added: “tshirtOS 2.0 is a whole new way for people to create, share and express themselves through fashion.”

Ballantine’s Announces Launch Of New Spirit Drink – Brasil!

December 4, 2013 by Gary Leave a Comment

Ballantine’s Brasil

Ballantine’s has announced the launch of Ballantine’s Brasil – a new lime-infused spirit drink.

Made by selectively cask steeping Scotch whisky with Brazilian lime peel, Ballantine’s Brasil aims to fuse the traditions of Scotland with the passion of Brazil.

The delicate combination of citrus and vanilla notes is aimed at consumers who are new to Scotch as well as existing Ballantine’s drinkers.

An ABV of 35% ensures that the taste is both smooth and consistent, with the sweet and creamy flavours of Scotch balancing the refreshing lime taste.

Ballantine’s has also developed a new drink for the Ballantine’s Brasil called the Highland Samba.

It mixes Ballantine’s Brasil and lemonade, served over ice and topped with two freshly-cut slices of lime.

A further four Brazilian-themed serves have also been created:-

Glen Rio: a mix of Ballantine’s Brasil and apple juice
Flower O’Brasil: Ballantine’s Brasil mixed with freshly squeezed lime and elderflower
Caledinho: Ballantine’s Brasil combined with freshly squeezed lime and mixed with crushed sugar
Glen Coco: The Caledinho, with the addition of coconut

We hope that Ballantine’s Brasil will excite a new generation of consumers with the combination of Scottish authenticity and Brazilian passion!”

You can also pop along to www.mixitwithbrasil.com where you can find a series of tutorials on how to ‘Mix it with Brasil’ and create your own favourite Ballantine’s Brasil cocktails!

Brasil will be available from February 2014.

Ballantines Has Christmas Booked!

November 22, 2013 by Gary Leave a Comment

Ballantine’s 12 Gift Tin

Ballantines 12 Year Old has an clever new gift pack for the Christmas season.

The limited edition pack – which contains a bottle of Ballantines 12 – invites whisky enthusiasts to celebrate the iconic brand and have something nice to put on their bookshelf as well!

Peter Moore, Global Brand Director for Ballantines said: “This year, we have created a limited edition for Ballantines 12 that echoes the authenticity and originality of the whisky blend inside.”

The creative design has already started winning awards for Ballantines 12, with a Gold Award recently achieved at The Canmaker Magazine Cans of the Year Awards; internationally renowned for celebrating, promoting and rewarding the huge amount of innovative work that takes place within the metal packaging industry each year.

Ballantine’s Creates The Perfect Ballance

September 27, 2013 by Gary Leave a Comment

Ballantine’s 12 Finds the Perfect Ballance

Ballantine’s has partnered with award-winning Swedish design trio FRONT to create Ballance, a unique and limited edition serving ritual for its Ballantine’s 12 expression.

Ballance features a series of handcrafted objects which appear suspended in mid-air.

The sculpture is inspired by the delicate balance of flavours of this popular whisky and the artistry of Sandy Hyslop, Ballantine’s Master Blender.

The foundation of the Ballance sculpture is a solid oak coaster, inspired by the oak casks used to mature Ballantine’s whiskies. A contemporary, elegant whisky glass balances a trio of pieces; a copper ice bowl, in a tribute to the stills used in the distillery, a square shaped water jug, whose shape mirrors the silhouette of the Ballantine’s 12 bottle, and – precariously balanced at the sculpture’s summit – a copper spoon.

Each element of Ballance has the Ballantine’s 12 by FRONT design collaboration burned, etched or stamped onto it so that they also stand alone as collectibles.

The FRONT Team

Sofia Lagerkvist of FRONT explains the design inspiration for Ballance: “We spent time with Ballantine’s Master Blender, Sandy Hyslop, in Scotland and we learned that his craft is a highly skilled balancing act: first in channeling the influences of nature in ageing this particular Scotch whisky for a minimum of 12 years. Then, in blending Ballantine’s 12, the flavours of an extensive collection of single malts and grains have to be precisely balanced to achieve a consistently smooth finish every time.”

“Our design objects often communicate a story about process and, with Ballance, we were inspired by the materials involved in crafting Ballantine’s 12 to create our serving ritual. We also like to prompt curiosity and challenge perception. The magical elements of the sculpture are a stylish, fun and very modern tribute to the alchemic transformation conducted by the Master Blender, whose unique skills have been passed down from generation to generation.”

Only 150 units of Ballance will be released with a selling price of around £350.

Ballantine’s Soundtrack of You!

August 6, 2013 by Gary Leave a Comment

Ballantine’s Soundtrack of You

Ballantine’s has partnered with legendary British DJ Pete Tong to launch Ballantine’s Soundtrack of You – a global competition inviting people around the world to tell their life stories through music, submitting and sharing a soundtrack of their lives consisting of five songs best representing their own personality and life story.

The competition runs until 13th September 2013 and people can submit their personal soundtracks at Soundtrack Of You.

The people with the most popular playlists, as voted for by Facebook fans, will win the chance to see Pete Tong perform live at an exclusive, one-off Ballantine’s event in Edinburgh, Scotland this October.

Pete Tong

The search for people’s favourite soundtracks begins with a teaser film featuring Pete Tong detailing the songs which feature in his own personal soundtrack, which includes surprising song choices from the likes of James Brown and Led Zeppelin.
His number one song is a unique choice and is revealed only by following a link at the end of the film, which then allows the song to be displayed.

You can view the film of Pete Tong discussing the soundtrack of his life here: You Tube – Pete Tong.

Ballantine’s Master Blender Sandy Hyslop has also created his own playlist, featuring some unexpected choices.

Sandy’s own playlist will be revealed during the course of the competition, so visit the competition page or Ballantine’s global Facebook page (facebook.com/ballantines) to find out more.

Jenny Shipton, Ballantine’s Global Senior Marketing Manager, comments: “Ballantine’s Soundtrack of You celebrates the profound effect that music has on people’s lives and allows our fans to leave an impression by sharing their very own life soundtrack.
We are very fortunate to be working with such an established DJ as Pete Tong for the competition, who really enjoyed going through his record collection to find the five songs that he felt best represented who he is.
We’re now looking forward to seeing which songs feature in the playlists submitted by our fans from around the world.”

Pete Tong said: “Music is the ultimate form of self-expression for most people and no matter where I am in the world, I love to see how passionate people are about music.
It’s been a real challenge to come up with just five songs that make up the soundtrack of my life, but also a really incredible opportunity to go back through my records and listen to songs that evoke memories from key moments throughout the years.”

“My choice of songs may be slightly surprising to some, but it shows how diverse my inspirations have been. I’m looking forward to seeing what people choose as their own personal soundtracks and to celebrating the climax of this competition at the Ballantine’s event in Edinburgh.”

Ballantines is available from these Whisky Merchants:-

The Whisky Exchange
Master of Malt
Edencroft Fine Wine & Spirit Specialists
Abbey Whisky
Whisky Online
The Whisky Barrel
The Green Welly Stop

Ballantine’s New Look Bottle

July 2, 2013 by Gary Leave a Comment

Ballantine’s New Look Bottle

This month will see the appearance of Ballantine’s bold new-look bottle for its Finest expression aiming for an iconic, contemporary design that is true to the Ballantine’s Finest brand essence.

Peter Moore, Ballantine’s Global Brand Director, said: “The Ballantine’s Finest bottle has changed very little over the years, but we recognised a need for the look to be updated, given Ballantine’s credentials as a famous brand that leaves an impression. We wanted to ensure that our new design stayed true to our proud heritage and identified with our loyal customers, whilst also being seen as a contemporary, vibrant brand, and we’re delighted with the final result.

“The new bottle performed very well in consumer research tests within our key markets and outperformed our highest expectations. It was acknowledged by those tested as being confident and modern without losing its heritage and quality cues, so we hope that this and our exciting marketing activities will translate into further success for Ballantine’s and will continue to engage people across the world.”

M	T	W	T	F	S	S
1	2	3	4	5	6	7
8	9	10	11	12	13	14
15	16	17	18	19	20	21
22	23	24	25	26	27	28
29	30

Ballantine’s New 17 & 21 Year Old – Limited Edition Gold Packs

Ballantine’s Presents Ben Mead’s Art of Drumming