Whisky Review: Balblair 2002

Balblair is a Highland distillery that is known for its vintage-dated releases and fairly unique bottle design. This 2002 vintage was bottled in 2012 and was the distillery’s entry level malt while it lasted. It was Ralfy’s whisky of the year for 2013. The current version is the 2005 vintage, which I have not personally seen in stores around me yet. Non chill-filtered and natural color.

Type: Single Malt Scotch
ABV: 46%
Region: Highland
Price: $50

Nose: Honey. Floral. Heather. Malt. Fruit salad. Rose. Barley sugar.

Palate: The arrival is sweet with honey and floral notes. Light fruits (apple, pear, peach). Light caramel. Mixed berries. Creme brûlée. Ginger comes into play as it develops.
Nice and thick mouthfeel.

Finish: Medium length and dry. More of the palate, particularly the berries, ginger, and creme brûlée. Dry oak. Slightly bitter.

Overall: Lovely stuff. Everything a quality young Highlander should be. An entry level malt that can be enjoyed by beginners and veteran whisky drinkers alike. I’m not always a big fan of the honey and heather taste profile that is often found in Highland malts, but the depth of flavors here with the berries, creme brûlée, and ginger makes this quite tasty, and it seems like good quality/fresh bourbon casks were used, which always helps. The bitterness in the finish is the only thing really holding this back, but it really is just a touch of bitter, nothing too major. I have really enjoyed this bottle and recommend it (if you can still find it).

Value: Good quality for the money. If this was readily available, I’d keep a bottle on hand. Haven’t seen it (or any other Balblair) around Nashville in a while though—I bought this bottle in Bowling Green, KY, right around the time of the Bowling Green Massacre (haha—no, but I really did buy it in Bowling Green). Hopefully I’ll find a bottle of the 2005 vintage soon.

Buy again? Yes

Score: 85/100

-MM-

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