Balblair 1997

Found this in my local supermarket recently which was quite a surprise given they generally only stock the usual 'entry-level' malts of Glenfiddich, Laphroaig 10 etc.

Declared as natural colour and unchillfiltered.

Spicy vanilla nose. Some figs and a hint of bananas. Sweet and then sharp - lemon and pineapples. Bizarrely making this almost Chinese Sweet and Sour. Perhaps I just have a vivid imagination!

Vanilla dominates the palate initially but then I get a brief wave of aniseed and fennel. After a bit of time I get some spicy oranges but it's never as sweet as the nose would suggest.

The finish is a bit flat, hoped for more although some spiciness does linger for a few minutes.

It's OK overall but nothing special. I'd rate it a bit higher if the price was lower.

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