I don’t know about you, but summer is almost here (In Israel that is). Days are longer, and it’s beginning to get hotter, especially in the sun. It’s only April, and the summer here is very long, so it was just in time that I was sent a mixing set of Ballantine’s Brasil to try and sample this new spirit drink. In case you have not heard about the Ballantine’s Brasil here’s some PR info:
Made by selectively cask steeping Scotch whisky with Brazilian lime peel, Ballantine’s Brasil represents as an innovative fusion of the traditions of Scotland with the passion of Brazil. Featuring a delicate combination of citrus complemented with vanilla notes, the new variant is expected to resonate with 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 flavors of Scotch balancing the refreshing lime taste.
Now it’s clear that this is not a whisky, and it is not meant to be a whisky, and in spite of the fact that I’m not a big fan of such “spirit drinks” in the form of honey infused, or fruit infused whiskies, I decided to give it a try without prejudice. So here we go. and before I forget – Good work on behalf of the Marketing and PR guys with this awesome looking mixing set.Good stuff.
Before I started Mixing I wanted to try the stuff neat. Yes, I am well aware this is not meant to be drank neat, and will mostly be drunk on the rocks as a mixer, BUT as a whisky geek I must suffer for science’s sake, and proper notes are due.
Ballantine’s Brasil, 35% abv,€14 
Nose: Sweet and funky. Bazooka bubble gum, lemon wine gums. Lemon Popsicle on top of a malty backbone. It’s candy land meets alba.
Palate: you get the malty notes first before a Limoncello like lemony sensation emerges. A bit spicy and getting bitter on lemon rind.
Finish: limes sugar and bitter lemon. Malt.
Would I drink it neat? No, but it’s not too offensive, and quite sweet with all those bazooka gums, and of course the lemony feel.
The mixing set came with a few mixing recipes, and since it was easiest and the lemonade was already in the box (lemon to yes), I decided to try on a cocktail named : Highland Samba, which consists of Ballantine’s Brasil and lemonade, served over ice and topped with two freshly-cut slices of lime. That was pretty easy to mix (even for me: the lazy and not very proficient cocktail mixer). just add ice, top with lemonade and add some of the spirit, and you’re done. Oh yeah, that glass looked super cool too. what do you know, It even looks decent. Have a look!
So how did it taste? Well, i have to admit it did taste surprisingly good. Quite sweet, but balanced with the lemony edge, and the malty backbone. I gave some to the wife, and she really liked this one (not a fan of drinks usually). I can totally see myself sipping some of this at the poolside, BBQ or seaside, and it’s really lovely and refreshing. nice summer drink! Of course i’m still a whisky snob, and this is not going to be my daily drink, but from time to time, it really is an option, and I am going to keep this bottle of Brasil to mix some stuff when friends pop in during summer (from now until November or so).
I’ve been tweeting about this yesterday and Ian Buxton who’s really a nice chap and knows a thing or two about drinks replied that : [it is] a very tasty and refreshing spirit drink that earns it’s own place on the bar. I have to agree. at 13 EUR a pop, it’s not too expensive too.
More info and recipes can be found at : http://www.mixitwithbrasil.com/web/
Enjoy summer!
Is Ballantines Brasil and Ballantines Passion kosher? If yes what kind of Hegshers they have?