Region:
Established:
Water Source:
Owner:
Distillery Status:
Open To Visitors:
Phone Number: |
Highlands
1790
The Allt Dearg
Inver House Distillers
Operational
Yes
+44 (0)1862 821273
(Call for visiting hours) |
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The original Balblair distillery was established by the Ross family near Edderton in 1790. In 1872, production was moved to a new location adjacent to the newly constructed railway line connecting Wick to Inverness.
The distillery is situated in one of the most beautiful parts of the Scotland, where the Ross-shire burns flow down the Struie
Hill to the farmlands of Edderton and
down onwards to the shores of the
Dornoch Firth. The surname Ross has
particular relevance in the area. The
distillery was founded by John Ross and
remained in his family until 1894. The
air in Edderton where Balblair
Distillery is situated, is considered to
be the purest in Scotland. It is said
that this fourth element combined with
the other elements gives Balblair malt
whisky its smooth, light, delicate and
refreshing taste.
The Ross family managed the distillery for its first century, after which Alexander Cowan took over. However, like many distilleries of that era, Balblair faced difficulties in the early 20th century and shut down in 1911, not reopening until after World War II when Winston Churchill mandated whisky production for sale in the US.
Robert 'Bertie' Cumming, the owner of Old Pulteney, acquired the dormant distillery and operated it until 1970. It was then purchased by Canadian distiller Hiram Walker, and later became part of Allied Distillers. In 1996, Inver House Distillers took over ownership.
Balblair's releases had been sporadic, with Balblair Elements launched in 2000. However, in 2007, Inver House completely revamped the brand, introducing 'vintage' releases inspired by Glenrothes. This transformation elevated Balblair from relative obscurity, thanks to its striking new packaging and the high quality of its whisky.
In 2013, Balblair served as a filming location for Ken Loach’s whisky-themed film ‘The Angel’s Share’. In the film Balblair distillery hosted the auction of the fictional last remaining cask of 'Malt Mill' which is now a lost distillery that once shared space and a mash tun with Lagavulin distillery on Islay.
In 2019 Balblair abandoned the vintage single malt core range replacing it with and age statement core range which today consists of a Balblair 12 Year Old and matured in American ex-bourbon casks and double fired (dercharred/recharred) American oak, the Balblair 15 Year Old matured again in American ex-bourbon casks and finished in Spanish oak sherry butts, the Balblair 18 and 25 Year Old each of which have matured in American ex-bourbon casks and finished in ex-Oloroso sherry casks. They also offer a travel retail exclusive Balblair 17 Year Old, again it was initially matured in American ex-bourbon casks but this one was finished in first-fill sherry butts.
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Balblair Tasting Notes
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 Balblair
is a light aromatic Highland Malt.
Balblair 12 Year Old:
William Morrison's
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Gentle creamy vanilla and a equally gentle apple, lemon and pear mix with a wee touch of a honeyed edge.
Taste: The citrusy fresh fruits from the nose has been joined by some orange citrus and arrives piggy backing on some delicious sugars, a touch of creamy vanilla, some lovely gentle oak spices and all with an honeyed edge.
Finish: A long finish, the delicious citrusy fruits bow out first, the vanilla and honey is not far behind leaving the now slightly drying sweet oak spices to peak and then bow out after an age.
Comment:
The fresh citrus fruits combined with vanilla, honey and sugars make this a very enjoyable Highlander, and given its maturation in
American ex-bourbon casks and double fired (de-charred/re-charred) American oak it is no surprise that the oak has a say (a good one) from nose to finish. A cracking dram, not to be overlooked on your whisky journey.
SMW Whisky Score
91/100
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Balblair Bottlings
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Balblair offer you the following choice
of single malts:
- 12 Year Old Single Malt.
- 15 Year Old Single Malt.
- 18 Year Old Single Malt.
- 25 Year Old Single Malt.
- 17 Year Old Single Malt Global Travel Retail Exclusive.
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Balblair Reviews
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