.balblair - 2003 - 1st release

Balblair has been known the last couple of years for their Vintage releases in stead of an Age Statement. In this case, the first release of their 2003 vintage has matured in a series of second fill ex-Bourbon casks and is bottled in 2013.

46% abv, €55, single malt, non-chill filtered, natural colour

Nose: fruity, sweet, vanilla, marshmallows, floral, honeysuckle, roses, fruity, apples, pears

Palate: sweet, fruity, apples, pears, spicy, cinnamon, white pepper 

Finish: medium long, spicy, cloves, cinnamon
Mark: +++++ 

Conclusion: She is a beauty, a 10yo with a bite. Really really nice, and although I might be tempted to purchase a bottle pure on likeability of the whisky, which is what should count first, but the wallet and reasonability might have a say too...