Balblair 1969

Balblair 1969, 43 YO, 41.4 %

This is the Balblair 1969 Vintage, 1st release. It was distilled in 1969, obviously, and bottled in 2012. A limited run of 999 bottles. It was matured in American oak ex-bourbon remade hogshead casks.

A few bottles are still available to buy online at around GBP 1380.

Nose: Oooh, this one plays on several layers. There's a sunny, dusty attic of an old wooden house, brimful with old books and stacks of papers. Then there's also light and fluffy notes of strawberry, vanilla ice-cream, and hard candy with aromas of malt and camphor. With time also notes of lemon sorbet as well as toasted oak, whiffs of smoke and menthol.

Taste: Medium body and an oily mouthfeel. The age comes through very clearly here as well. Light spiciness and a sweet fruitiness mix perfectly. Black pepper, cinnamon, camphor and dried herbs on one side. Dried fruits, ripe baked apples, and bitter-ish orange zest on the other.

Finish: Long finish. Still well balanced between the sweet fruitiness and the spices. The touch of bitterness keeps it all in check - I think it reminds me of grapefruit actually. Hints of nuts and juicy marzipan. Dusty and slightly oaky in the end.

Comments: Same vintage as me, so it must be good, eh?

Score (91/100)

Sláinte!
- Thomas