The elegant and approachable Balblair 12 Year Old is the first whisky in the Balblair Collection and has been matured in a combination of double-fired American oak casks and ex-bourbon casks. The result is a whisky with a warm, complex character and a sweet, citrusy aroma. The palate offers notes of oranges, honey and cinnamon before a long, creamy finish with hints of vanilla and leather.
Nose: Apples, lemons and limes to start, with citrusy cookie dough – oatmeal and candied lemon – with a dusting of golden sugar. Fresh apricot with honey and sultanas follows.
Palate: Sweet and fruity, with apple leading the way – apple sauce, freshly sliced and baked with a hint of spice. Vanilla balanced darker notes of liquorice root, dark chocolate and a touch of damp oak.
Finish: More biscuits, with apple-studded cookies dusted with cinnamon slowly fading to leave sweet spice.