Following the exploration of three independent bottlings from Bowmore, let’s now venture into the realm of another venerable distillery: Balblair. As I’ve previously expressed, Balblair holds a special place in my heart, and because of that, it was the very first distillery I had the pleasure of visiting in Scotland. Similar to our journey with Bowmore, we’ll delve into independent bottlings, this time featuring four indy Balblair expressions from That Boutique-y Whisky Company, Kintra, Cadenhead’s and the Scotch Malt Whisky Society.
Balblair 11-year-old Batch 3 That Boutique-y Whisky Company Review
We kick off with That Boutique-y Whisky Company’s third bottling of Balblair, an 11-year-old single cask expression. This whisky, aged in an ex-bourbon barrel and bottled in 2023 as part of their Cinema series, showcases the artistry of Emily Chappel through captivating labels reminiscent of iconic movie posters. Notably, this label features a witty parody of the renowned whisky writer Charles MacLean. Bottled at its natural cask strength of 58%, without any added colour or chill filtration, this whisky is still obtainable in the UK for approximately £70.
Colour:
Old gold.
Nose:
Neat: From the outset, the aroma presents a refreshing and summery bouquet, abundant with orchard fruits such as apricot, peach, and apples, complemented by hints of vanilla, honey, and a touch of bananas. Surprisingly gentle on the nose, the absence of alcohol heat lends an impression akin to a 46% whisky. Whilst not overly intricate, the nose is undeniably pleasant.
With water: Introducing water to the equation unveils a slightly sharper aroma, with distant whispers of strawberries and a subtle increase in vanilla notes.
Palate:
Neat: Is this whisky distilled from Arlequin sweets? It exudes pure Arlequin essence, with an explosion of bananas and assorted fruits, their sourness and sweetness weaving together in a delightful dance. The palate is gently prickly, yet creamy in texture. Notes of vanilla intertwine with subtle wood spices, accompanied by a persistent lemony sourness.
With water: Adding water accentuates the lemony character, intensifying the Arlequin-like flavours, with a hint of peppery spice and a touch more woodiness. Nuances of caramel emerge as well.
Finish:
The finish unveils a subtle herbal character, with delicate hints of liquorice root intertwining seamlessly with the lingering citrusy sourness and the nostalgic essence of ‘chemical’ banana sweets.
Comments:
Whilst this whisky may not boast the utmost complexity or claim the title of the finest dram I’ve ever tasted, it undeniably impresses with its sheer brilliance, dangerously easy drinkability, and undeniable appeal. It’s a no-brainer, really. I’m already plotting to locate a European stockist and secure a case of this liquid gold. Perhaps I’m inclined to exaggerate, but with such exceptional quality, an 8 out of 10 seems only fair. Sure, £70 for a 50 cl bottle may seem steep, but for something this outstanding? I’ll buy a case, thank you very much.
Rating: 8/10
Balblair 2011 Authentic Collection Cadenheads Review
Distilled in 2011 and bottled in the winter of 2022 in Cadenhead’s Sherry Cask collection, this Balblair expression underwent a finishing in an Oloroso sherry butt since October 2021. The rich hue suggests an active cask influence, although the details of its initial maturation remain a mystery. This single cask yielded 666 bottles, each filled at a robust 56.6% ABV, and presented without the addition of colouring or chill filtration. Available from £120 in the UK.
Colour:
Mahogany.
Nose:
Neat: The unmistakeable influence of an Oloroso butt is evident from the outset, with aromas of hazelnuts, rancio, and cola cubes dominating the nose. Herbal undertones mingle with dried plums, figs, and a hint of leather, evoking images of a well-worn armchair and saddle, accompanied by a subtle dustiness.
With water: Reduction introduces a subtle sharpness to the aroma, alongside distant hints of citrus and a touch of musty dampness.
Palate:
Neat: Initially sweet upon the first sip, the palate swiftly transitions to the forefront of sherry influence, revealing notes of leather, dried fruits, and a subdued rancio compared to the nose. Subtle hints of chili, cherry liqueur, dark chocolate, walnut oil, and cardamom.
With water: Dilution brings forth a heightened wood presence, accompanied by nuances of wood spices and a delicate herbal bitterness. This nuanced evolution on the palate showcases the whisky’s depth and complexity.
Finish:
The finish leaves a lingering impression of cardamom, walnut oil, and a subtle rancio, accented by hints of spices that gradually fade into the background. Dried red fruits emerge, followed by a resurgence of leather notes.
Comments:
The influence of the finishing cask is clearly dominant, but there’s nonetheless an undeniable quality in this whisky. Though the original Balblair character may be somewhat overshadowed, it remains a fitting choice for cosying up by the fire during the winter months.
Rating: 7.5/10
Balblair 2012 Kintra Review
Kintra Spirits, established in Deventer since 2016, is a Dutch independent bottler and importer/distributor of spirits. Their name pays homage to a renowned beach on the Scottish island of Islay. On May 14, 2021, they bottled a 2012 vintage Balblair, aged for 8 years in a refill sherry hogshead #3237. This cask yielded 307 bottles at a cask strength of 57.3% ABV, without any added colour nor chill filtration. Still obtainable in the Netherlands for approximately €70.
Colour:
Amontillado
Nose:
Neat: The sherry influence is evident, but it’s not without its flaws, as pronounced sulphury notes of rubber assert themselves a bit too prominently for comfort. These nuances hinder the initial experience. However, patience may be rewarded, as hints of rum and raisin ice cream, cured ham, and marmite peek through with time.
With water: Dilution proves beneficial, tempering the overpowering rubber notes and unveiling a richer array of aromas. Sharp dark chocolate emerges alongside the sweetness of stewed dates and figs, creating a more balanced and inviting nose.
Palate:
Neat: The palate opens with a lively interplay of spice and sweetness, featuring flavours of red apples, marzipan, and a touch of tabasco sauce followed by a subtle kick of white pepper. Notes of blood oranges and quince appear, before transitioning into an herbal profile accompanied by a hint of woody bitterness. Throughout, a lingering spicy heat persists.
With water: Adding water brings forth a heightened sweetness whilst tempering the spices and alcohol heat. Delicate flavours of stewed apricots, peaches, and green apples emerge as well.
Finish:
The finish is characterised by a lingering warmth that gradually recedes, making way for nuanced layers of wood, subtle yeasty marmite undertones, and a touch of dark chocolate.
Comments:
Neat, this Balblair exhibits a sulphury profile reminiscent of Craigellachie or Mortlach, with distinct rubbery and meaty notes that may come as a surprise for fans of Balblair whisky. However, with a touch of reduction, these intense aromas on the nose, along with the fiery heat and robust spices on the palate, are subdued, resulting in a more approachable and pleasurable to drink. Therefore, if drinking neat doesn’t initially appeal to you, don’t hesitate to add water to unlock the whisky’s full potential.
Rating: 6/10
Balblair 1993 70.43 Scotch Malt Whisky Society Review
Concluding this post is a 27-year-old Balblair, distilled on July 5, 1993, and bottled by the Scotch Malt Whisky Society in late 2020 or early 2021. This Balblair was aged in a second-fill ex-bourbon barrel, yielding only 171 bottles at cask strength (54.1% ABV). True to SMWS tradition, no artificial colouring nor chill filtration was employed. Long gone, unfortunately.
Colour:
Old gold.
Nose:
Neat: The nose bursts with a cornucopia of orchard and tropical fruits, showcasing notes of pineapple, passion fruit, plums, mango, and a hint of freshly squeezed orange juice. Juicy melon and caramelised crème brûlée.
With water: Introducing water reveals earthy tones reminiscent of the damp soil in a forest after rainfall.
Palate:
Neat: The palate unfolds with a burst of sour fruits, dominated by grapefruit and underripe passion fruits, followed by a pronounced presence of wood and wood spices. Rich tobacco leaves and a hint of pepper.
With water: Initially sweeter on the palate, but swiftly transitions back to a pronounced wood bitterness, maintaining its robust character even with the addition of water.
Finish:
The finish is marked by a lingering woodiness accompanied by hints of cough syrup and vanilla extract, alongside a zesty grapefruit note.
Comments:
This quite aged Balblair offers enchanting tropical fruit notes, though I found the palate slightly dominated by woodiness, despite the cask being a second fill. It’s possible that my sample was slightly aged, as this woodiness wasn’t as prominent during my initial tasting experience with this Balblair two years ago.
Rating: 7.5/10
Thanks Dave and Cyrille! Photos lifted from Whiskybase as usual, thanks guys 😉
