Balblair

This Balblair 1997 is a mixture of mostly ex-bourbon barrels with a few 2nd fill sherry butts.

Balblair 1997 (43%, OB 2008)

Nose: clean barley with soft vanilla. Really fresh and minty, with quite a lot of fruity notes (apple, orange, lemon, pineapple). Honey. Also spicy notes (cinnamon) from the oak. I quite like the nose. Mouth: sweet attack, again really fruity (pineapple, apricot, grapefruit). Vanilla. Subtle oak. Very light hints of peat. Evolving on spices and liquorice. Finish: a bit too simple and maybe a tad too bitter (ginger).

Well, I have to say this dram exceeded my expectations. Good introduction malt. Around € 40.

Score: 81/100

Balblair 2000 (43%, OB 2010)

Nose: full of pear drops and grainy aromas which give away its young age. It seems hints of new-make are becoming popular these days (yet in a more sophisticated way than actual new-make). A more tropical note as well (banana, some mango, coconut maybe). Very fruity and lively with just a touch of vanilla. I really like this nose. Mouth: quite light, sweet and fruity with some muesli, peaches, pineapple and white grapes. A light spicy edge (soft pepper and sweet ginger). Finish: still fruity, but it takes the vanilla and spices a bit further.

Balblair 2000 plays around with notes of youngish whisky, but in a smooth and entertaining way. One to revisit when the summer returns!
Around € 40.

Score: 81/100