The Skinny Whisky Guide

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.