Balblair 2003 Review

Distillery: Balblair. Region: Highlands. ABV: 46%. Age: about 12 years. Price: $60-70.

Balblair is a Highlands distillery I paid too little attention to until recently, and I’ve been glad to make up for lost time.

Distillery General Manager John MacDonald, who has headed up the Edderton-based operation since 2006, selects and releases vintages marked by year of distillation, rather than age.

The 2003 vintage is an excellent place to start–especially if you like your single malt on the spicy side. The nose has ginger, white pepper, lemon zest, and oak. Then apricot danish. On the palate, there are stewed pears, honey, then white oak, all in a seamless progression. The body is buttery–the 46% ABV serves it well. Candied citrus bourbon notes throughout, and lingering spice on the end.

A delicious introduction to Balblair’s current lineup. Cheers, friends! – BO

Buy Balblair whisky online at Mash + Grape

A company representative graciously provided a sample for review. As always, our opinions are 100% our own.