A top tier whisky from Highlander Balblair.
Early in 2019, Balblair decided to swap out its iconic vintages for the more usually encountered age statements. This particular expression has been aged in former Bourbon American oak barrels before being finished in first fill sherry oak butts. The whisky was aged for no less than 18 years, ensuring a complex and inviting dram.
The result is a rich, well balanced whisky which offers up notes of rich pears, apple pie, cinnamon, nutmeg, toasted oak, vanilla, dried prunes, figs, sultanas, citrus rind, dried apricots, some soft banana and crunchy honeyed malt.
Bottled at 46% ABV and without chill-filtration, this is a satisfying, full bodied bottling.
While we were at Balblair we tried the 12 the 15 the 17 then the 18. Wow the 18 is fruitcake nose, the palette is rich, smooth with a fantastic finish. The 25 is unbelievable if you can afford it.