Balblair is mostly about a rich official range. However, some independents addressed its case and, far behind Gordon & MacPhail (more than 40 bottlings), Dewar Rattray is a good representative. In the cask series from 1990 or 1991, here is a reduced version that cost less than 50€…
Nose : We have a melted nose, maybe more exuberant than what we might expect of a Balblair. It goes towards candies in a clear way: honey candy, sour lemon candy, cherry Krema candy… It’s quite appetizing and the texture seems creamy. Even if it evolves, the thread remains similar: sugar, an acid hint, the whole inside candies (Batna now). The opening tempers this aspect and brings pomegranate alongside milky pinches. It’s quite surprising as a whole.
Mouth : We cannot say that much happens in mouth, but it’s drier. We find the Balblairian melt this time, all the flavors mixing to form a unit. The entry is floral without being heady. There is a bit of violet, carnation but also some spices (nutmeg, cinnamon) followed by a bit of malt, canned pineapple juice and white chocolate.
Finish : We end in a pretty short way but the persistence is pleasant. We still are on the flower register (acacia) with a bit of wax. The aftertaste finds back some acidness and flowers. Not a really convincing mix.
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