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Balblair is a premium single malt whiskey from the Highlands region. Brand drinks are distinguished by rich floral and citrus tones in aroma and taste. The brand is owned by Inver House Distillers, the leading producer of Scottish spirits. In 2019, the company launched the regular release of Balblair with different aging ages, before that only vintage batches went on sale.
Historical information
The distillery was founded in 1790 in Adderton, one of the wildest and most beautiful parts of the Highlands of Scotland. At first it was a small enterprise, typical for that time. Things were not going very well – documentary evidence of the numerous debts of the owner of the distillery, John Ross, has been preserved. But the company continued to stay afloat primarily because of the good taste of whiskey, which was given to it by local water and peat.
The distillery was owned by the Ross family until 1894. A descendant of the first owner decided to move, and wine merchant Alexander Cowan took over the management. The enterprise passed to him on a leasehold basis – the terms of the agreement obliged the businessman to build a new plant. The production complex was built closer to the railway station, and most of the production began to be sent to other companies for use in blends.
At the beginning of the 1932th century, the government approved a new license fee, which complicated the situation for alcohol producers. Cowan failed to cope with the tax burden and went bankrupt, and all stocks were confiscated. Production stopped, the last whiskey was sold in XNUMX. During World War II, the distillery buildings were used for the needs of the army.
In 1949, Balblair was acquired by Robert Cumming, an experienced winemaker and enthusiast. Under his leadership, production developed successfully, and whiskey became an important component of the famous Ballantine brand, the manufacturer of which bought Balblair after Cumming’s death. In 1996, the distillery was taken over by Inver House Distillers.
Production features
One of the most important components of Balblair whiskey is the water of the Ault Dirg spring, which flows through peat bogs. One container with a volume of 19 thousand liters is intended for brewing the wort. Distillation cubes are distinguished by an unusual pear-shaped shape, without characteristic bends and thickenings. This design is designed for slow distillation, during which alcohols acquire a fruity taste. For a long time, the distillery specialized in vintage releases, but in 2019 the assortment was supplemented by the main line, which includes drinks aged from 12 to 25 years.
Awards
The brand portfolio includes many awards of international competitions. Among the achievements of recent years:
- International Spirits Competition 2018, London – 2 gold medals;
- International Wine & Spirits Competition 2018, London – 1 gold and 2 silver medals;
- World Whiskey Awards 2018, London – 2 bronze medals;
- San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2017, San Francisco – double gold;
- International Spirits Challenge 2017, London – 1 gold and 4 silver medals.
Interesting Facts
- The company has collected a large archive that combines many historical documents with facts from the life of the plant. The first entry in the chronicle was made by John Ross himself and dated January 1800.
- Inver House Distillers won the 2008 Icons of Whiskey Best International Producer award, beating out Glenmorangie and Bowmore.
Types of Bulblair Whiskey
Balblair 12 Year Old, 46%
Whiskey golden color is aged in double-charred American oak barrels, where bourbon was previously stored. The aroma features lemon zest, creamy vanilla and green apples. The taste is sharp with pronounced nuances of spices, complementing the shades of orange peel, oak and malt. The aftertaste distinguishes between bread, leather and oak.
Balblair 15 Year Old, 46%
At the final stage of aging, the whiskey is poured into sherry casks and aged for 2 years and 8 months. An amber-colored drink with the aroma of honey, prunes and spices. The texture is velvety, the taste is rich with tones of dark chocolate, tropical fruits and spices. The finish is long, with creamy caramel and citrus notes.
Balblair 25 Year Old, 46%
Whiskey spends the last five years of aging in Spanish sherry vats, where it acquires a copper color. Ripe apricots, licorice and wood stand out in the aromatic bouquet. The oily taste is rich in nuances of citrus, chocolate, tobacco and spices. The aftertaste is warming, with hints of apple jam, mint, prunes and oak.
