Balblair Vintage 1990 2nd release

Balblair Vintage 1990 2nd release, 46 %

I have already given you a brief summary of the Balblair tasting I attended at Dr. Jekylls Pub earlier this Autumn. Today I will share my tasting notes on one of the whiskies.

Balblair Vintage 1990 2nd release has been matured in bourbon casks for 21 years and then 2 years in first fill Oloroso sherry casks. Vintage 1990 has replaced Vintage 1989.

The whisky is available in Sweden at SEK 1299 (item number 85766). It is not available in Norway. In Norway we do have Vintage 1983 (read Thomas' review) and Vintage 2003 (my review from last year).

Nose (22/25): Heavy sherry notes and oak at first. Then came the smell of confectionery chocolate with orange liqueur! Apricots and figs. Dry on the nose.

Taste (23/25): Rich! Complex! Dark chocolate and spices. Pepper, nutmeg and cardamom. Chocolate fudge.

Finish (22/25): Chocolate caramel, warm and lingering. Dark chocolate. A bit dry.

Balance (23/25): Lovely on the palate! I just love the taste but did not manage to detect any more tastes. It is not heavy sherried like a whisky that has been matured in sherry casks from the beginning. But I think the combination of maturation in bourbon casks first and then a couple of years in sherry casks makes it an interesting whisky.

Score (90/100)

Image from Balblair.

- Tone