Balblair 1990 is one of the more sherried expressions in their current vintage collection. It spent around two years finishing in Oloroso sherry butts.
The same 1990 vintage had been released in 2009 (first release) but without the sherry finish.
Balblair 1990
(46%, OB 2014, 2nd release)
Nose: garden fruits (apples, stewed pears) with a good dose of sherry influence in the form of toffee, walnuts, milk chocolate and spices like ginger and cinnamon. Also a peppery / oaky kick.
Mouth: modern, slightly high-pressure sherry maturation again. Raisins, fruit cake, molasses and hints of cherries. Some sour tobacco notes and plain American oak (a lightly tannic, bitter edge). Crystallized ginger. A drop of water brings out more fruity notes.
Finish: long, drying, on cocoa powder and spices from the oak.
I think I still prefer the ex-bourbon goodness of other Balblairs, but it does take modern-style sherry maturation very well. Around 140.
Score: 87/100