Balblair 2005 1st Release

I may have just encountered my favorite Balblair yet - there's a lot to enjoy here. I'm particularly impressed by how fruity this whisky is despite being exclusively aged in bourbon casks. The nose has notes of fruitcake and almonds, both quite pleasurable though they eventually over welcome their stay. The palate is almost sherried, with a faint touch of smoke, like matching sticks. And while the finish is a tad bitter, it is also quite smooth and long, with hints of pepper lingering on your tongue. I very much enjoyed it, and there's much complexity here despite a color that approximates white wine.