A Young & Spritely Balblair that’s been matured in a refill ex-bourbon barrel for 10 years.
Nose: Fresh and bright with lemons, limes, hedgerow berries and orange peels sitting atop of candy pear drops. Running throughout, cream buns and toasted bread with aromatic tangy oakiness. The addition of water expresses ginger and brand snaps alongside nutmeg, doughy rolls and oven-backed buns.
Taste: A zingy arrival of lemon sherbet and lime margaritas that’s joined by tarter gooseberry and grape fruit elements. Choux buns and toffee popcorn sit with toasted breakfast cereals and milk chocolate, whilst pepperiness expands across the palate emphasising the cask influence. Reduction softens things up – less zing, more juicy fruitiness with a host of orchards (apple and pear) alongside stone fruits (apricot and cherry plum).
Finish: Medium with creamy chocolate livened by perky pepper and charred cask ends.
A lively Balblair with plenty of zip, but also an expressive fruity core. There’s some ABV prickle and spice intensity when sampled neat – but this takes water well, offering a still fruit-driven but softer composition that’s an ideal opening dram.