Since we’ve written almost 350 reviews by now, we risk becoming boring. In fact, we’ve said before the whiskies from Northern Highlands are among our favorites. Balblair’s ones tickle our palates in a very special way, thanks to a super fruity distillate, enriched by mineral asperities. Actually, whisky like we love it. We taste a 1989 vintage, bottled in 2012. Balblair’s philosophy doesn’t focus on a classic core range, but on different vintage expressions. Everything but not NAS.
N: we’re used to the olfactory richness of over 18 yo Balblairs. So this whisky’s profile, definitely fruity and aromatic, almost doesn’t astound us anymore. Wonderful aromas of apricot jam, raisins, canned peaches, fresh figues. Even a tropical hint of papaya and a citrus side (ripe oranges). A nice sweet note of vanilla and almonds. But most of all there’s a terrific concert of fruit, with a oily, subtle mineral vein.
P: it does not fully succeed in replicating the complexity and liveliness of the nose, but gentlemen, this is a great whisky! The pronounced sweetness slightly decreases, a pleasant fruitiness remains (yellow fruits), together with an intense citrus side. In counterpoint, there are clear malty notes, reminding us of oily dried nuts and wood.
F: quite long, dried nuts, malt. Oily and incredibly clean.
A Champions League nose, a pleasant but not astonishing palate and a clean finish. In short, a good whisky. We definetely approve it: 87/100. Ok, now leave the bottle, we’re going to kill it.
Recommended soundtrack: Sohn – Lights.
