label: Balblair

46% alc./vol.
Balblair Distillery, Edderton, Highlands, Scotland

Last and not least, for the evening Balblair de Québec Whisky, which all took place in the comfort and safety of the homes of club members. From her home too, the American ambassador of the distillery, Steph ridgway, assured the presentation.

We end in force with the most spirited whiskey from their “Core Range”, the 18-year-old Balblair. Like all Balblair, we begin aging in American ex-bourbon oak barrels. This one will continue in first fill Spanish oak barrels, like its 15 year old little brother. The Killer Question: Are you worth $ 200 in SAQ?

As the Norwegian black metal musician said so well Øystein Aarseth (1968-1993) said so well:

The counselors are not payers.

Nose:
Simmered pears, salted caramel, vanilla and burnt wood. Chocolate and vanilla at the same time. Licorice, cinnamon and raisins. Solid.

Taste:
Peaches and honey, vanilla, cream, oak and salted caramel. The barrels blend superbly with age. Grapes and oranges.

Finish:
Pleasant length, interesting warmth. Raisins, honey and caramel. Vanilla and oak. A wave of red fruits arrives towards the end.

Balance:
Balance: We ended up getting there. Balblair's base malt is a quality one. When we take the trouble to age it properly we are entitled to really good whiskeys. When will the Single Casks?

Note: ★ ★ ★ ★★

46% alc./vol.
Balblair Distillery, Edderton, Highlands, Scotland

Penultimate whiskey of the thematic tasting Balblair, organized by our friends from home Québec Whisky and presented by the American Ambassador of the distillery, Steph ridgway.

We fall for the sherry with this bottling of the new range, the Balblair 15 years. Like the rest of his boyfriends, he went through an initial maturation in American ex-bourbon oak barrels, in order to finalize his journey in first fill Spanish oak barrels.

As the Italian painter, architect and writer said so well Giorgio Vasari (1511-1574) so aptly put it:

If while building we listened to everyone's opinions, the roof would never be installed.

Nose:
Honey, fruit cake and syrupy honey. Lemon and dates, raisins and leatherette. Intense oak wood.

Taste:
Honey texture, oak, raisins and pickled ginger. Dark chocolate and tropical fruits. Cherries, taffy potatoes and vanilla.

Finish:
Small astringency of sherry, oak and ginger. The length leaves a little to be desired for a whiskey of this age and this type of cask.

Balance:
I am far from hating this, but I expected a little more from the 12 year old. It's still screeching good, even if $ 140 it can hole the wallet ...

Note: ★★★★★