Balblair 1990 2nd Release

I've been occupied, but not so much that I stopped exploring whisky. I just haven't had the time for notes, and little inspiration to write about a bottle until I finished the Balblair 1990 2nd release and decided to reflect on this gem. I've realized it's foolish, after tasting hundreds of different whiskies, to keep giving '82/100' to a forgettable, but harmless dram. My new system will be inspired by Michelin. Forgettable whiskies get a 0 – and most whiskies are forgettable. Unforgettable whiskies get a 1. Unimaginably good whiskies get a 2. Unparalleled transcendent whiskies get a 3. And, to align with the 5-star system this app uses, I'll consider the perceived value against the actual cost, and assign a rating based on that. Balblair 1990 earns three stars. I absolutely adore this whisky. People are displeased that Balblair has updated its range and is now selling a 25-year-old for $500. Balblair has consistently been among the best distilleries in the last 5-10 years, on par with Springbank, but they've always underestimated their value, and are only now charging appropriate market prices for their spirits. This Balblair 1990 is 24-25 years old, and it was available for $150! There's a distinct bourbon influence on the nose. For many scotches, 'bourbon influence' implies a light 'breakfast' whisky where the malt is dominant. This smells like a full-bodied fine bourbon, with rich tobacco and cherries, like Pappy Van Winkle; yet it's balanced by a single malt character that, while secondary, remains significant. On the palate, it transitions from bourbon to sherry, and in the correct sequence of flavors; beginning with American oak toffee and vanilla sweetness, moving to raisins and dark fruits, and concluding with cocoa, leather, and tobacco. A 25-year-old Balblair surpasses a 25-year-old Springbank, Macallan, or Balvenie. They are justified in setting whatever price they choose. Score: *** (unparalleled transcendent) Bottle cost: $150-180 (likely unavailable now) Perceived worth: $500

-46% ABV -Non chill-filtered -Natural color -Matured in ex-bourbon casks for 23 years, then finished for 2 years in Oloroso sherry casks. Nose: Rich, reminiscent of Christmas cake, and complex. Notes include: vanilla cream; honey; red apple; fresh strawberry; dark plum; pear; clove; cinnamon; lemon meringue; a slight floral quality; subtle pepper; and an almost herbal, grassy note lurking in the background. Taste: Medium viscosity yet full-bodied. It begins with sweetness, featuring bright red fruits, dark fruits, and sugary plums and dates, alongside a hint of root beer/cola. As it develops, a gentle but firm cinnamon spice and a peppery note emerge, coupled with rich toffee and dark cherry. Absolutely fantastic. With water, a tropical clementine orange and kiwi appears. I'm not exaggerating. Finish: One of the longest I've ever encountered. It's mouth-watering, with honey, vanilla, a subtle floral note, plum, honeydew melon, iced pastry, maple syrup, and golden apple. Just when you think it's over, you get light salted caramel and a sweet spearmint to conclude. Value: Although increasingly difficult to find, you can acquire a bottle for $170-200, and I strongly recommend doing so. Final thoughts: An incredible single malt at an excellent price. This is what I imagine a 30-year-old Highland Park might taste like. This 25-year-old Balblair should not be overlooked... start searching! Score: 5/5. Go purchase it immediately! Malt musing. "Whisky is liquid sunshine." - George Bernard Shaw

This is one of those highly-talked-about legendary bottles I've heard so much about. A friend eventually sent me a sample. I had a few sips... after a few too many drinks into the evening. So this will be the true evaluation. Nose - Ah, we have aged sherry oak. Typical dried fruits and figs. Underlying chocolate with a pleasant chewy fruit note. I want to say there's a hint of cherry and apple, but very subtle and not artificial flavors. Rich oak, definitely. This brings to mind a fine old chest of drawers from your grandparents' attic. Taste - Classic malt mellowed over decades of oak and sherry. It's so dry, clean, and classic, like milk chocolate balls. The finish is driven by spice, while hints of milk chocolate and dark fruits are prominent initially. Spicy vanilla is also present. Malt/sweet forward at the beginning, almost overpowering after the fruity yet drier initial impression. Wow, what a delight, genuinely old-school well-aged sherry. It's a shame those times seem long past. 4.25 feels right. If only it were 48% to give it that extra boost. But it's wonderful.

This is quite difficult to find these days. Mine was bottled in 2016, indicating 26 years of aging. These years appear to have been well-utilized, as it's a fine dram. Given its age, it should be sipped upon pouring but allowed to rest briefly. The nose offers a pleasant citrus aroma, perhaps orange, with a slightly earthy character to me. On the palate, it's sweet and malty; if you let it dissolve on the tongue, it reveals its complexity, shifting from sweet malt to hints of sherry and citrus, concluding with a peppery, oaky spice. The finish is very long and spicy. While not a widely recognized brand, primarily used in blends, it's known among Scotch enthusiasts and doesn't disappoint. It was the first whisky over 21 years old I acquired and was well worth it. Once it's gone, it's gone for good... Cheers!

Balblair, often off the conventional path, was one of the few distilleries that maintained vintage bottlings until recently. This Highlander, distilled in 1990 and bottled in 2015, offers a truly delightful aroma. Blood oranges, papaya, and delicate spices mingle with grains, lemongrass, and faint cocoa notes. The palate presents a complex and well-balanced profile: initially fruity-sweet and spicy, it evolves to reveal floral, aromatic, and mildly acidic characteristics. A chocolaty bitterness, a warming sensation, and an almost effervescent quality mark the lingering finish. An excellent single malt to appreciate! RATING: 4.4/5.0 stars ≙ 90 pts → SUPERB [-]

Compared to the 1999 3rd (18 years old), this bottling is significantly darker in every aspect. The aroma is actually similar, with this one emphasizing stewed fruits more. However, the palate is where the experience dramatically elevates. This 1990, around 25 years old, is incredibly sticky and rich, yet not syrupy. Its closest comparison is the Highland Park The Dark 17 year old, which was a less intense version of this for double the cost. Balblair truly excelled with this release, and comparing it against its younger sibling definitely highlighted the 1990's quality. Acquire this (or the 1991) while available.