The Skinny Whisky Guide

No 3: Balblair Distillery
Feature by Ruth Marsh.
Published 04 July 2009

What is it? Balblair ’89 Highland Single Malt

Where’s it from? Balblair Distillery nestles on the shores of the Dornoch Firth in the far North village of Edderton, in the shadows of the Clach Biorach sacred stone, erected by the Picts four millenia ago. The distillery has been in use since 1790.and continues to be supplied by the same pure waters of the Ault Dearg burn. The end product supports the use of traditional methods – last year Balblair won the Icons of Whisky International Distiller of the Year.

What does it look like? Balblair is a strikingly pale, naturally-coloured malt, with a straw-gold, honeyed hue like a perfect sunset.

How does it taste? Uncorking the gorgeous bottle (designed to mimic a stone smoothed by flowing water and covered in swirling Pictish Script) releases a big, bright nose that lingers pleasantly. There’s nothing peaty or smoky in this malt – instead it bursts with sweet treats. Think spicy dried vine fruits, ripe citrus and vanilla fudge all bundled together in a fresh, summery mouthful. This is clean, slick and smooth – just a wee splash of icy water would turn it into an ideal and unusual BBQ / picnic / camping expedition accompaniment.

Where can I get it? You can pick up a bottle of très swankily-packaged ’89 vintage (the box has magnets! Coo!) online at www.singlemaltsdirect.com for £39.99 or try Royal Mile Whiskies in Edinburgh. Vintages ranging from ’97 to ’65 also available.

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  • Balblair ’89 Highland Single Malt has mid-amber appearance with honey gold highlights, It has rich aromas of raisin,green apple and hints of banana and lemon. Together with a rich spiciness there is a distinctive long, complex and ultimately smooth finish.
    http://www.gocubans.com/

    Posted by Andrew Jones | Monday August 2009 @ 08:41

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  • Bal blair is one of the Scotland's oldest distilleries. The color of the 1989 vintage is light gold and the nose is lovely and clean enticing you with an interesting mix of aromas.There is some obvious vanilla and oaky wood, followed by something nutty (think of almonds). However, underneath these is a gorgeous fresh fruitiness - firstly something reminiscent of fresh green apples and then something tropical (this sounds strange I know but there was definitely hints of banana, pineapple and mango detected in there!) http://www.royalhabanos.com/

    Posted by Carl Torres | Friday August 2009 @ 16:18

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