More to Enjoy
Balblair 18yr
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Distiller:
Inver House Distillers Limited
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Bottler:
Inver House Distillers Limited
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ABV:
46%
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Age:
18 Years
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Price:
$$$$$
- Raided Score: 90
- Publication: Whiskey Raiders
- Excerpt: Balblair is striking in the peppery, oaky, creamy palate and profile. I really enjoy the balance here, and some interesting notes like the citrus and lemon on the nose. Perfect for winter sipping.
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- Raided Score: 91
- Publication: Distiller
- Excerpt: It finishes with a touch of salinity and a hint of nutmeg, an excellent sipper that doesn't disappoint.
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- Raided Score: 90
- Publication: The Whiskey Reviewer
- Excerpt: The silky liquid tastes of toffee again, with the stone fruitiness developing out into pears and apricots. This is subsumed by a wave of spice, one that carries over into the finish and runs off down the block.
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- Raided Score: 86
- Publication: Whiskey Wash
- Excerpt: The nose is far more interesting, but it is a step above the 12-year-old. It has some harsh elements, but with a few drops of water, they ease. On the other hand, water and ice numb any detectable flavor that is not oak.
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Raided Score is a conversion from an external site's score, to our in house uniform scoring system. Please see the FAQ for more.
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Intro:
Distilled by Balblair and matured for 18 years in a combination of American ex-bourbon casks and first fill Spanish oak casks, this release comes to us just in time for the cooler months. Bottled at 46% ABV with no coloring or filtering - a welcome sight to see. Let's dive in.
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Nose:
Sweet and zesty on the nose; ginger and orange peel, lemon, bitters, delightful contrast of spicy, sweet, citrus.
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Taste:
Medium palate, bright malt, some pepper and clove, bold bold tannins and a generous helping of vanilla bean and cream.
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Finish:
Long finish, ginger appears once more, balanced nicely by plum, stewed fruit, toffee and a light nutty sherry character.
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Overall:
This is a killer single malt from an often overlooked house. Balblair is striking in the peppery, oaky, creamy palate and profile. I really enjoy the balance here, and some interesting notes like the citrus and lemon on the nose. Perfect for winter sipping.
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Score:
7
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Disclosure: The producer provided this sample to review free of charge, and without expectation of review or rating.
- Our in house critic rates spirits on a scale of 0-10 (10 best) and is aggregated the same as external sources