1999 Balblair Second Release Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Followers of this distillery will already be aware that the intention behind the vintage releases is to capture the essence of the year in a bottle, hence the year refers to the time that the whisky was laid down. Barrels are only ever selected at the absolute peak of perfection. The emphasis is not on an age statement for the sake of an age statement, rather allowing natural process and human judgement to determine when the whisky is ready.

Replacing the 1997 vintage is this second release from 1999 (bottled in 2016) and matured in a combination of American ex-bourbon barrels and Spanish ex-Sherry butts. Non chill filtered and natural colour.

Other reviews… Bright golden amber color. Bright, toasty aromas of fruit pastry, delicate spice, and orange marmalade on scone with a satiny, lively, fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, complex, honeyed nuts, peaches, flower patch, and cream finish. A delightfully engaging dram.
Gold Medal 94 points - www.tastings.com

Notes from Balblair… The taste is initially sweet, yet spicy and full bodied, which reflects the time spent maturing in first fill American oak, ex-bourbon barrels. Finish There is a long, spicy finish to this exceptionally well balanced, yet complex Vintage.