Single Malt Whisky, Scotland/Highlands
Owned since 2006 by International Beverage Holdings, Balblair is one of Scotland’s oldest working distilleries. Founded in 1790 and completely rebuilt in 1872 on land half a mile away in pure Victorian style, it was closed for a long period between 1911 and 1949. Balblair is one of three distilleries whose setting was used in Ken Loach’s film, Angels’ Share. Avoiding all superfluity, it is with the simplicity and naturalness of the greatest single malts that this version takes us into increasingly rich and complex olfactory and gustatory lands.
TASTING NOTES
Appearance: Lively gold.
Nose: Both fresh and heady. Aromas of grapefruit and vanilla perfume an initial nose that evolves into notes of juicy pear and clove, radiating beauty. On aeration, malted barley grains intrude into the smallest gap left vacant. Balblair shines.
Palate: Lively, haughty. With flavours of vanilla, malted barley and pear, the attack is a carbon copy of the nose. Racy, the mid-palate adds a fresh, exotic touch (pineapple, coconut). Then, sweet spices (cinnamon, cumin) coat the palate.
Overall: Long, silky. Creamy (yoghurt ice cream), the initial finish is also chocolatey. It then evolves on acidulous (grapefruit), honeyed (acacia) and fruity (candied pear) notes. From the empty glass, fragrances of balsam and cut hay emerge.