Whisky Focus - Balblair Lifts Off Out Of Europe With Le Clos

International Beverage has achieved a landmark listing for its single malt Scotch whisky brand Balblair, with Le Clos the prestigious fine wine and luxury spirits retailer. Le Clos is recognised for bringing rare and desirable products to market for its international clientele at the world’s busiest international airport, Dubai International (DXB), and Balblair is now part of its world-class portfolio.

Balblair single malt Scotch whisky was re-launched to travel retail in the spring of this year, featuring premium new bottles and packaging, reflecting the distillery’s unique and idyllic location. The distillery was founded in 1790 and today is one of the oldest working distilleries in the world.

The Balblair Travel Collection line-up includes:

• Balblair 12 Year Old - matured in American oak ex-bourbon and double-fired American oak casks, described as having notes of dried orange, ground spices and sweet vanilla. The one litre size distinguishes this from the domestic collection.
   
• Balblair 15 Year Old - matured initially in American oak ex-bourbon casks, followed by first-fill Spanish oak butts, said to have notes of honey and spicy vanilla, followed by a wave of warm sweet tart. The one litre size distinguishes this from the domestic collection.
   
• Balblair 18 Year Old - matured initially in American oak ex-bourbon casks, followed by first fill Spanish oak butts, adding depth and charisma. This late-night expression is described as rich and autumnal, developed and amplified to unexpected heights, while staying perfectly balanced and closely tied to the bright and fruity character of the Distillery.
   
• Balblair 25 Year Old - matured initially in American oak ex-bourbon casks then reshaped in Oloroso Spanish oak, described as having notes of oily citrus, chocolate praline, fresh tobacco leaf and blood oranges.

International Beverage Sales Director for Global Travel Retail James Bateman said: "International Beverage is delighted to partner with Le Clos to launch Balblair single malt Scotch whisky. Le Clos’ knowledgeable staff have proven expertise in bringing to market luxury spirits and its established reputation in one of the world’s busiest airports is a very important platform for building awareness amongst potential shoppers and collectors.

"The new Balblair range emphasises the traditional values of Highland single malt Scotch whisky with a genuine provenance and an emphasis on quality. Le Clos is the perfect showcase."

Ben Odgers, General Manager, Le Clos said: “Balblair is a superb Scotch whisky brand, with a wonderful provenance, and one which has found a natural home on the shelves of Le Clos. We are at the crossroads of the world at DXB, and our stores give great positioning to reach whisky collectors and enthusiasts from around the globe – a type of customer which is vital to the growth of the Balblair brand.”

He added: "We have worked closely with International Beverage to support this launch and the early sales of Balblair have been promising, and we hope to see that continue throughout the exclusive promotional period for the remainder of 2019."

The core range of Balblair – featuring a 12YO, 15YO, 18YO and 25YO – is now available for purchase in Le Clos stores across Dubai International airport.

You will also find current Balblar domestic whisky range available from specialist online whisky retailers such as The Whisky Exchange, The Whisky Shop and Master of Malt
 

• UK Shops
   
• USA Shops
   
• European Shops

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