Review: Balblair 1983 Vintage 1st Release
Category: Highland single malt scotch whisky
Origin: Balblair Distillery
Bottling: Official – Inver House Distillers Ltd.
ABV: 46%
Cost: £192.61 from Master of Malt [Sold out]
What they say:
1983 Vintage
Matured in American oak ex-bourbon barrels, Balblair Vintage 1983 is a rich, warm dram, combining all core Balblair characteristics. Only just launched to replace the 2nd release of 1975 this stunning dram is sure to be just as popular as its predecessor. What Vintage is your all time favourite? Go to The Gathering Place and leave us a comment.
Tasting Notes
Appearance
The first release of Balblair 1983 has a rich golden appearance.
Aroma
On the nose there are warm aromas of butterscotch, toffee and vanilla that come from the long years of maturation in American oak ex-bourbon barrels. Citrus fruits can also be detected in the aroma adding to the complexity of this exceptional Vintage.
Taste
On the palate it is sweet and spicy; with overtones of fresh fruits and honey.
Finish
A long, warming and full bodied finish.
What I say:
Sampled as part of the #IHDMasterclass online beamed live from the Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh. Many thanks to Lukasz and the team at IHD for asking us to take part in this tasting.
Colour:
Orange amber gold (11/20)
Nose:
Pecan & banoffee pie, spiced apple pie, cinnamon, vanilla custard, coconut, cereal barley malt, toffee, vanilla, chocolate
Taste:
Smooth and rich, creamy vanilla ice cream, milk chocolate, butterscotch fudge, vanilla sponge cake, apple cake, a hit of cinnamon spice, raspberry ripple ice cream and toffee caramel sauce, oak wood
Finish:
Long, delicate and fruity, fruit puddings in custard
Overall:
Beautiful example of well-aged bourbon-matured whisky, just divine.
Score: 86/100
Don’t take my word for it:
Bloggers submit link to your review
Read what the folks at Edinburgh Whisky Blog had to say about Balblair 1983 vintage
See what Bexxson thought about the Balblair 1983 vintage
Read Steve’s thoughts at Somerset Whisky Blog on the Balblair vintage range
Very interesting reading your review as this is one I’ve just posted my tasting notes on. I’m still a novice when it comes to whisky tasting and that certainly shows with your notes compared to mine (although in my defence it was my 5th tasting within an hour). It’ has encouraged me to double my efforts when tasting from now on though!
LikeLike