Blended using forty different malt and grain whiskies, this is a smooth,balanced spirit and a perennial favourite with blend drinkers. VAT 69 is a famous old brandof blended whisky, chosen by Sir Ernest Shackleton to accompany him on his ImperialTrans-Antarctic Expedition of 1914 'for medicinal and celebratory purposes', and alsofamously the favourite whisky of Captain Lewis Nixon of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment,immortalised in the book and TV series Band of Brothers. Nose: Hints of spice and caramel, notes of barley malt, with a softwheat character. A touch of pear juice. Palate: Ground almonds and barley malt. Slightly biscuity, more ofthose pear notes, a little pepper. Sweet, rounded. Finish: Woody, spiced finish. Caramel.