Balblair, the multi-award-winning Highland distillery, unveiled its new collection of age-statement single malt Scotch whiskies at the end of March, and we have been lucky enough to try it ahead of Father’s Day on the 16th of June.
Established in 1790, and located on the Dornoch Firth, Balblair distillery is one of the oldest working distilleries in the Scottish Highlands. Replacing all existing Balblair expressions, and moving away from the distillery’s previous ‘vintage-only’ approach, the new series features four hand-selected whiskies, ranging from 12 to 25 years, and all stay true to Balblair’s house style.
Inspired by Balblair’s rich past, the luxurious packaging for the new collection retains the distillery’s iconic bottle shape which reflects the distillery’s unique and idyllic location. It pays tribute to its pure Highland water source, which comes from the nearby Allt Dearg burn, and to the Pictish ‘Z-rod’ carvings which have been etched on the ancient Clach Biorach standing stone located on the distillery’s doorstep.
The core collection includes the following expressions:
Balblair 12-Year-Old (RRP £45)
Sporting a polished gold colour and an aroma of lemon peel layered with creamy vanilla, this whisky has been matured in American oak ex-bourbon and double-fired American oak casks. It has notes of dried orange, ground spices and sweet vanilla, and has a creamy and leathery finish.
Balblair 15-Year-Old (RRP £75)
This bright amber-coloured whisky has been matured initially in American oak ex-bourbon casks, and completed in first-fill Spanish oak butts. Velvety in texture, the aroma of leatherwood honey and spicy gingerbread is followed by juicy prunes and fresh lemon peel. The notes are namely dark chocolate, tropical fruit and creamy vanilla.
Balblair 18-Year-Old (RRP £120)
The 18-Year-Old brings an aroma of rich toffee and baked pears. On the palate, it’s a joy for the senses thanks to a masterful balance of juicy apricots, seasoned oak and vanilla custard.
Balblair 25-Year-Old (RRP £500)
This is our favourite from the collection, and thanks to the notes of oily citrus, chocolate praline, fresh tobacco leaf and blood oranges, it is a whisky that will always have you coming back for more. Matured initially in American oak ex-bourbon casks, then reshaped in Oloroso Spanish oak, the deep copper colour is sublime, and the aroma of indulgent overripe apricots and dark liquorice completes this 25-Year-Old beautifully.
Balblair Age-Statement Whisky Collection – Where and How?
The Balblair Age-Statement Whisky Collection is available online and distributed exclusively through independent and specialist retail outlets. For more information visit: www.balblair.com.