Balblair 1991 Vintage 2nd Release
- Category: Highland single malt scotch whisky
- Origin: Balblair Distillery
- Bottling: Inver House Distillers Ltd.
- ABV: 46%
- Cost: RRP £105
What they say
1991
A small batch of Balblair Vintage 1991 briefly replaced our award-winning 1989. The American oak barrels used in the distillate’s maturation, lend a warm toffee, vanilla fragrance. Although stock of 1991 was rare, if you have a bottle in your collection why not create a flavour wheel and map the flavour characteristics of your favourite Balblair Vintages?
Official tasting notes:
- Appearance: Balblair 1991 is golden honey in appearance.
- Aroma: A full-bodied malt with aromas of oranges, grapefruit and lemon; hints of chocolate and leather can also be detected.
- Palate: A full-bodied malt with aromas of oranges, grapefruit and lemon; hints of chocolate and leather can also be detected.
- Finish: Smooth to start leading to a long-lasting, warming finish.
What I say
Sampled during the #BalblairLive tasting held on Facebook on 21st February 2018.
Distilled in 1991 at Balblair and matured for over 26 years before bottling in 2018
My Tasting notes:
- Appearance: Amontillado sherry/ dark copper (10/20), long fine legs and rare fine tears
- Nose: Orange oil, sweet, barley, vanilla, honey, golden syrup, peach and apricot jam, crème patisserie and vanilla Danish, cinnamon dusting,
- Taste: Malty, leather edge with a touch of cinnamon spice, oranges/marmalade, a touch of ginger, peach and apricot jam, vanilla and cereal malt, citrus lemon zest and pink grapefruit pith, putty and a hint of marzipan in chocolate
- Finish: Long, sweet and spiced, drying with leathery tannins
Overall
Not as sweet or heavily sherried as the well-loved 1990 vintage it replaces, so does offer a slightly different and perhaps more refined experience.
In the current market this is very well priced for an official bottling of 26+ year old whisky which is masterfully constructed.
Score 87/100
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