Balblair

Part of the brand-new lineup from Balblair, this 12 year old returns the distillery to age statements as opposed to its vintage releases. Matured in American oak ex-bourbon casks, this Balblair is beautifully fresh and fruity, with lemon peel, creamy vanilla and a green apple aromas. The palate is succulent and oily, with more citrus again (dried orange) and spices, with a honeyed tone throughout. Finishing sweet and vanilla'd, it lingers with a leathery oaky note. A classic aromatic and fruity Highland single malt.

Matured in ex-bourbon casks and then finished in rich Spanish sherry casks, this new Balblair 15 year old is distinctly spiced and fruity, with notes of prunes, tropical fruit and dark chocolate. Velvety in texture with spices and mellow vanilla, there is an edge of citrus and lemon peel. This older expression shows the richer and heavier side of this old Highland gem.

The 25 year old is part of the new range from the Balblair distillery, selected by master distiller John Macdonald from a selection of American ex-bourbon and Spanish ex-sherry casks. On the nose, this is a classic Balblair, offering deep and complex notes of over-ripe apricots and stone fruits, liquorice and a distinctive old aroma of saddle wax and polished oak. To taste, there is a weighty, oily mouthfeel, with citrus, chocolate praline and a rich flavour of fresh tobacco leaf. A long and lingering finish with more citrus (blood orange) and chocolate returning. Presented in a beautiful sliding box with a booklet telling the story of the beautiful old Balblair distillery.