Balblair 1997 1st Release

(Review for Balblair 97 2nd Ed.) While many appreciate peat and diverse cask influences in whisky, sometimes a straightforward unpeated malt aged exclusively in ex-bourbon casks is all that's needed. This Balblair is 14/15 years old, 46% abv, non-chill filtered, possesses a beautiful natural golden color, and was aged solely in first-fill ex-bourbon casks. The nose is an explosion of fresh tropical fruits: pineapple, banana, and citrus, along with sweet vanilla, all enveloped by a hard-to-describe floral aroma. DELICIOUS! The palate is stunning, with a very thick mouthfeel, a sweet flavor, and a very long finish that includes a welcome spicy kick, just to keep things engaging. Well done, Balblair!

(This review is for the 1997 Single Cask 1108, bottled at 58.4% ABV) I need to use neuroscience terms to properly describe this scotch: the dopamine surge in the brain's reward center after a sip was immense. In other words, MIND-BLOWING! Chamomile on the nose with a hint of honey and pears. The palate is creamy and coats the mouth, with brown sugar, vanilla, wood spices, and what I imagine represents the divine and perfect essence that Jesus, Confucius, and the Buddha sought to convey. A revelation! (Now go and refrain from sinning with cheap liquor.)

Fruity on the initial taste (primarily citrus, with some orchard and stone fruit notes) followed by floral honey and distant vanilla. It has a surprisingly substantial body with a very well-balanced mouthfeel, featuring fruity and malty sweetness, along with a touch of peppery spice in a medium-length finish. An exceptionally good scotch.

Remarkable. No accompaniment needed. The sweetness is complete and stands perfectly well on its own.

From a single cask, distilled in 1997, bottled in 2017, cask number 1108, at 58.4% alcohol.

Wonderful notes of candied banana and a lengthy finish