Balblair 12 Year Old

Light apple juice in colour, and this is replicated on the nose - a massive stewed apple whack with a good dose of nose tingling citrus too, lemon peel and a tartness. Doesn't have any of the spiciness on the nose you might expect from a Highland, smells more like a Speyside with no hint of smoke or peat.

On the first sip it's a mouth tingler, the apple bursts with the sensation of sherbet, not agressive in any way, but also not a gentle malt like Glenmorangie, it has some zing and pleasing sourness to it. No hint of toffee at all, this one is 100% fruity, makes a nice change - it's palette cleansing and refreshing.

Adding a drop of water gives it a white wine feel, smells of grape mixed with the apple. The water also brings out the spice, gentle ginger warmth and a little pepper.

The finish is a little short, the tart apple remains, and a touch of banana sweetness, not unlike the foam sweet bananas you had as a kid.

5th March 2021

Lovely bouquet. Smooth with a warmth with a honey and pear finish. Definitely an after dinner drink.

13th January 2021

I really wanted to like this one but I’m struggling with it. I bought this 12 from the Balblair distillery having tasted other in the range whilst there. The 12 was my preference. The nose is fabulous. Complex, huge variety of textures and bouquets going on and yet in the mouth it’s both light and simple. The 46% contributes a significant heft to the taste but even adding a drop of water fails to expose those wonderful elements promised by the nose. The finish is semi-dry, not oily but quite long lasting. I hope this bottle gives a little more as I work through it.

16th September 2020

Just tried this as a sample in the york whisky shop. As the others who have tried this one. Delicate, smooth and a gentle warmth to this. I agree with the use of term " milky tea finish". For the reasonable cost and a free nosing glass I bought one to enjoy over the weekend of our 23rd wedding anniversary.

30th August 2020

I do miss the vintage releases from Balblair but to be fair they have done a decent job here and for those of us who like a range of whisky flavours this wouldn’t be out of place in any whisky cabinet. For me, it’s a start of the night whisky – quite delicate, well balanced and there’s nothing too challenging or overpowering but there is enough complexity to make it interesting. I totally understand why someone would say buy the Clynelish 14 instead but I would say buy them both as they are equally excellent whiskies despite being completely different.

27th June 2020

Would recommend this as a after dinner drink. Honey hints with the earthy taste

8th December 2019

Extremely elegant and tropical whisky. Thoroughly enjoyable.

14th November 2019

Disclaimer, I am not expert. haha.

Nose:
Such a pleasant and enjoyable time I didn't want to drink it.
The nose is so vibrant and fresh, with different fruits coming through such as apple, lemon and orange but working with that is the honey and vanilla scents, that add and contrast the fruit making both stand out more.

Palate:
Certainly can taste the Apple and a bit of spice but the vanilla and honey flavours come through at the end to finish it off.

Finish:
In my opinion doesn't last very long at all fades away quite quickly but it is the honey that is last to go leaving a sweet impression with the fresh fruit.

Certainly worth it and it is worth saying even though I am not expert. I have NEVER been disappointed with a Balblair.

16th May 2019

Meh, average malt in my opinion. Decent but not as good as other Highland age statements.

16th April 2019