Different sources state that there has been a release of Balblair 1990 in 1998, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2014 and 2015. The last three were all called ‘Second Release’. How can this be? While somebody writes down the explanation, I will try the bottling from 2014.
The sherry has clearly put its stamp on this nose. Wonderfully sweet notes of sultanas, banana, oranges, honey, vanilla, dried apricots and mango that goes hand in hand with the spices of which I remember mostly cinnamon and nutmeg. Some brown sugar, rose water and toasted oak. I’ll gladly forgive the hint of molding wood and moist cellar.
It is wonderfully sweet and creamy on the palate. Immediately I get some dried fruits in combination with Granny Smith apples and grapefruit, soaked in lime and plum juice. Good body! Hint of leather and mocha with a salty edge. Surprising and very good.
The finish is medium long to long with the emphasis on pepper, ginger and cinnamon. At the death, a smidgen of sulpher dares to rear its ugly head.
The nose was a lot sweeter than the palate, but is is still a gem. Not very delicate, but powerful and complex. Around 120 EUR nowadays.
Hi Mark. Interesting reviews on this one. I just picked up a bottle at the distillery when we were in Scotland a couple months ago. We did get a tour and tried all of the tasting options they had. Of the lot, I found the 1990 the most interesting. The 1984 was very nice, but this one just stood out. 21 years in BT bourbon casks and the last 3 years in the Sherry casks just gave it enough grape to really grab me. Slainte.
@Balblair I have never taste a Balblair. The problem for me is that the good ones are expensive. This one is at the limit of my financial capacity but I pay that kind of money only when I know it will be something that will blow my mind. I am still not convinced about this one.