Balblair 1999 Vintage 1st Release
- Category: Highland single malt scotch whisky
- Origin: Balblair Distillery
- Bottling: Inver House Distillers Ltd.
- ABV: 46%
- Cost: £61.43
What they say:
1999
Available exclusively to travellers, this beautifully developed Balblair Vintage boasts the classic, fruity, floral and light heart of Balblair set against a darker, richer background of further maturation in Spanish oak. Is this Vintage part of your collection?
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
The first release of Balblair 1999 is copper bronze in appearance.
Aroma:
On the nose there are the signature Balblair aromas: floral and fragrant punctuated with green apples, citrus fruits and vanilla. The American oak, ex-bourbon barrels and Spanish oak, ex-sherry butts used in maturation impart a rich spiciness and notes of leather, honey and chocolate.
Palate:
On the palate honey and vanilla notes combine with a rich spiciness and sweet toffee, resulting in a full bodied Vintage.
Finish:
The long lasting, smooth finish is sweet yet spicy.
What I say:
From the Balblair #FestiveTreats TT paired with Lemongrass & hint of Lime Velvet Praline & also White Lime & Hint of Chilli Velvet Truffle from Iain Burnett the Highland Chocolatier.
Colour:
Dark bronzed copper
Nose:
Deeper, orange blossom honey, older wood, toffee, cereal barley and floral orchard blossom
Taste:
Ginger and orange marmalade, sun-baked tannic leather, caraway seed & vanilla
Finish:
Long, spiced ginger and sweet dried fruits
Overall:
My favourite pairing of the tasting was this Travel Retail Exclusive 1990 Balblair vintage and the Lemongrass truffle – the pairing reminded me of that balance in Thai cookery between sweet/spice and savoury.
Score: 86/100
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