Balblair 1983

Balblair 1983 replaced the popular 1975 vintage at the end of 2013. It was matured in ex-bourbon barrels.

Balblair 1983
(46%, OB 2013, 1st release)

Nose: a nicely fruity, almost tropical nose. Fresh banana, sweet quinces and apricots, as well as a sourish hint of pineapple and passion fruit. Bright floral notes. Albariño comes to mind. Vanilla ice cream. Very subtle hints of old oak and almonds. Excellent.

Mouth: quite lovely again. There are warm fruity notes (pears, plums) balanced by the same juicy acidity (kiwi) and soft, elegant spices (ginger, clove). Liquorice and cinnamon. Some freshly sawn, bourbonny oak touches, but without the dryness.

Finish: medium, half fruity, half spicy.

Great stuff, with a fresh fruitiness, pleasant acidity and spices, all integrated into an elegant composition. The best bourbon matured Balblair I’ve had. Around € 250.

Score: 89/100