Slainte-Mhath
Balblair 1990 2nd Release
Single Malt — Highlands, Scotland
Reviewed
May 30, 2019 (edited March 5, 2024)
Always a bit off the beaten track, Balblair was one of few distilleries sticking to vintage bottlings until just recently. Distilled in 1990 and bottled in 2015, the aroma of this Highlander is a true delight. Blood oranges, papaya and delicate spices intermingle with cereals, lemongrass and hints of cocoa. A complex and well-balanced flavor profile marks the palate: fruity-sweet and spicy at first, the taste develops more floral, aromatic and mildly acidic. Chocolaty-bitter, warming and almost sparkling, the prolonged finish waves farewell. A great single malt to savor!
RATING: 4.4/5.0 stars ≙ 90 pts → SUPERB [-]
149.0
EUR
per
Bottle
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@Slainte-Mhath I was really disheartened to learn that they’re discontinuing the age statements. It was such a unique/cool thing. I’m hoping that they hear us and reconsider but, just in case, I bought the 90, 91, 99 and 00 while they’re still around. Also bought the 83 for a friend’s birthday - absolutely wonderful whiskey.
@Slainte-Mhath It must be soul-crushing for the workers, particularly the senior distillers and warehouse people, to see a carefuly managed house profile and reputation destroyed by the stroke of a corporate pen. The houses of "big whisky" are so much losing the plot - than goodness we have folks like Springbank, Kilchoman, Wolfburn and Glenfarclas.
@cascode It is sad to see great distilleries like Balblair and Old Pulteney being wrecked by greed-driven marketing departments. I don't blame the good people working there, there is not much they can do if a new owner dictates a change in marketing.
Good review. Was the dram which converted me to Balblair.
Actually, there are a few independent bottlings available, but unfortunately Balblair is one of those distilleries where the OBs were always the best option.
What were they thinking? How can we maximize profits in the booming Asian market - end of story. The parent company is now ThaiBev, the same villains who discontinued Old Pulteney 21 and 17. The loss of vintages in Balblair is bad enough, but the new pricing is extortionate. Fortunately I have 3 bottles of Balblair in stash (including one of this batch) but apart from those and vintages I might collect if I happen to find them at a reasonable price, I'm done with Balblair.
Additional comment: In 2019, Balblair discontinued all vintage bottlings and released new core range expressions with age statement as a replacement. In doing so, the price of the 25-year-old Balblair was more than tripled to about 500 €. Not sure what they were thinking? I would happily buy this bottle for 150 €, but there is no way on earth I would pay the premium for their new Balblair 25. Maybe something for the investors market? Either way, this is very disappointing.
Additional comment: This review is for Balblair 1990, bottled in 2015, 2nd Release.