Balblair 18 yo is part of the core range of the homonymous brand, which has recently been renewed, replacing the appreciated vintages of the past (see reviews of some of these releases here and here) with more conventional labels associated with the years of aging. Located in the Highlands near Dornoch Fjord, the same one on which Glenmorangie overlooks, the distillery has 2 stills and 6 wooden washbacks. The drawing on the bottle is inspired by the one on the nearby stone called Clach Biorach, which is believed to date back to more than 4000 years. In 2012, the distillery was the set of Ken Loach’s film “The Angel’s Share”.
- Type: Single malt
- Origin: Scotland
- ABV: 46%
- Cask: ex-bourbon, finish first fill ex-sherry
- Age: 18yo
- Price: $207 – €125
- Details: non chill-filtered, non-colored
TASTING NOTES – BALBLAIR 18 YO
Nose
It starts with a fruity character (peach, banana, melon), then continuing with honey and caramel. Silky and refined. The mix of the two woods is very well balanced, with the sherry contributes subtly, refreshing the fruity initial notes with hints of strawberry and red apple. A touch of leather in the final.
Palate
ABV is quite centered, with red apple as the first taste, followed by ripe apricots and figs. Caramel and mild cinnamon. Good creaminess.
Finish
The fruity side lasts long, without exaggeration with the sweetness, which then evolves into custard covered with spices (cinnamon and nutmeg). Medium long and classy finish.
Balblair 18yo is a spirit of interesting complexity, elegant, and of good structure. The nose is very pleasant and faceted, and on the palate, the creaminess is remarkable. The ABV is right for the type of product that has been designed. Probably a more persistent finale would have projected this product towards prominent rates.