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.

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!

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

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!