Balblair 10yo Gordon & Macphail 43% (2014)
Balblair is a highlander, not far from Glenmorangie and Dalmore, and sits inland less than a kilometer from the Dornoch Firth. It is one of a small band of northern highland distilleries, but unlike its neighbours, was not hard sold as a single malt. In fact I doubt the marketing budget is very large at all, but then consider its approach to its core range. Instead of having fixed age statements, the distillery uses a vintage system and any particular vintage having several batches depending on stock. Seems like a bold strategy more suited for a brand with a larger market share.
In any case if you want a simple 10yo, Gordon & Macphail have again filled the gap with one, which is what I’ve tasted here.
(whiskystory.com)
I don’t think Balblair was ever triple distilled and yet there are 3 stills in the stillhouse. and the third goes unused. Was the fourth dismantled? In any case look at the round balloon pots, with wide short necks. They are the complete opposite of Glenmorangie’s tall and thin stills. No surprise that the new make is meant to be thick and heavy.
(commercial image)
Nose: Soft, light and rather supple, a bit on the quiet side. I get some wet cardboard, pomelo rinds, a grain of salt. bit of honey and much much freshness – citrusy fruity freshness that really hints at the potential in this spirit.
Palate: Soft again, light estery touches, that *almost* big fruitiness (but just almost), sour tangerines, more cardboard box, touches of lacquered wood, and a growing dry leafiness.
Finish: Whispering and short, a little musty cereal, citrus and dried leaves.
Decent, not great, but if G&M says this is the house style, I am sold on the potential of the whisky.
Whiskyrific RSS
- White Horse America’s Cup 43% vs Pillaged Malt 10 yo Vatted Malt 57.1% ~ 1st edition bottled 2003
- Teaninich 19 yo That Boutique-y Whisky Company Batch 1 48.6% vs Teaninich 32 yo 1983 Adelphi #6738 47.8%
- Bowmore 24 yo 1991 Carn Mor #616 54.9% vs Bowmore 25 yo 1989 Douglas Laing Old Particular #10581 55.1%
- Irish Single Malt Whiskey 24 yo Batch 1 That Boutique-y Whisky Company 46.8% vs Limerick Slaney Malt Irish 23 yo 1991 / 2005 Adelphi #8585 59%
- Isle of Jura 30 yo 1966 / 1996 Signatory #1868/69 52.6% vs Isle of Jura 30 yo 1966 / 1996 Kingsbury #1867 49.7%
- Rosebank 1991 / 2009 Gordon & Macphail #2119/2120/2121 55.3% vs Rosebank 21 yo 1989 / 2010 Lombard for Three Rivers #866 58.1%
- Ben Nevis 19 yo 1996 Distiller’s Art 48% vs Ben Nevis 20 yo 1995 Gleann Mor #11308 53.4% vs Ben Nevis 22 yo 1992 Cadenhead 53.5%
- Lagavulin 25 yo 200th Anniversary 51.7% ~2016 vs Lagavulin 30 yo 52.6% ~ 2006
- Craigellachie 31 yo Batch Batch 04-6137 52.2% vs Cragganmore 29 yo 1973 / 2003 Special Release 52.5%
- Convalmore 36 yo 1977 / 2013 Special Release 58% vs Convalmore 36 yo 1977 / 2013 Cadenhead 58.2%
