Beverage of the Week (BOW)

Balblair Vintage 2003 Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Product Story

This charming Whisky is aged in ex-Bourbon casks and based on its appearance and flavor profile I would conclude that many of these casks are not first fill. Balblair does not add color to their Whiskies, which is always desirable to me.

Brand Story

Balblair Is quite unique among Scotch Whisky distillers. As most focus on a set of offerings based on age statements Balblair instead chooses to offer vintages of Single Malt Whisky that are bottled and presented when Balblair's distillery manager John MacDonlad feels that the Whisky has reached optimum maturation. In this way each new Balblair release is quite different and always delicious. Okay, I admit to being a big fan. The distillery was founded in 1790 in Edderton in the Northern Highlands. Like most Scotch Whisky distilleries Balblair has seen it's share of ownership changes, closures, and additions but it has been going strong since 1949 and was in integral part of the Ballantine's blends in the 1970s. Today it's remains a charming and beautiful distillery situated among farm lands just above Dornoch Loch.

Tasting Note

Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is very seductive and complex offering scents of honey, white peach, apricot, toasted grain, butterscotch, citrus zest, lavender, and nutmeg. The palate is in full accord with the nose delivering a lush, fruity core with waves of fresh herbs, honeycomb, and orange with subtle cask notes on the finish. Medium to full-bodied with a rich, silky palate that while generous with fruit and grain never seems heavy as it's ideally balanced with bright, clean acidity.

How to Serve

Sip neat with a splash of water in a Whisky glass and don't dare add ice!

Price: $ 55

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