Balblair 18 Year Old is the third whisky in the Balblair Collection and has been matured in ex-bourbon casks before being finished in first-fill Spanish oak butts. The result is a charismatic single malt with a rich toffee and pear aroma, with a hint of warm spices and leather. The palate offers notes of ripe apricots and raisins balanced by toasted oak and vanilla custard, before a long, warming finish filled with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Nose: Apple pie with raisins: the top is dotted with caramelised filling that's bubbled up while cooking. Marzipan hints become full-on fruit cake with royal icing – old school Christmas cake.
Palate: Soft, rounded and sweet, with spice and darker, singed notes building. Buttery sponge turns dark and fruity as Christmas-cake fruit and spice builds. Raisins and charred oak provide a backdrop for burnt sugar and fruity dark chocolate.
Finish: Charred staves and rich dunnage warehouse earthiness fade to leave cinnamon and raisins.