In the 1980s, a television commercial starring Orson Wells for Paul Mason wines made the statement: We will sell no wine before its time. It highlighted the importance of time and patience in wine and spirits. Balblair, a renowned Scottish whisky distillery, has recently introduced a new addition to its collection after 21 years of meticulous crafting. The release of the Balblair 21-year-old whisky has been eagerly anticipated and is now available for all to savor.
Balblair, with a history of over two centuries in the whisky industry, launched the 21-year-old whisky at the iconic Royal Observatory Greenwich. This historic location, known for creating global time zones, set the stage for a prestigious event attended by key industry figures, media, and retailers from around the world.
Balblair Scottish Whisky
Balblair is deeply rooted in Scottish whisky tradition, being established in 1790. Situated amidst the captivating landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, it is the oldest working whisky distillery. Each sip of their range of whiskies encapsulates not just the essence of its origin, but also the centuries-old Scottish whisky expertise, tradition, and artisanship.
Balblair’s philosophy, encapsulated in their motto “Patience Deliciously Rewarded,” reflects the value of time and patience in their whisky-making process. The slow distillation and years of maturation in their earth-floored warehouses emphasize the significance of time in their craft. The introduction of the Balblair 21-year-old complements their core collection, which includes the 12-year-old, 15-year-old, and 18-year-old whiskies.
The eagerly awaited introduction of the Balblair 21-year-old whisky at the Royal Observatory symbolized a significant milestone, recognizing the historical significance of time. The event gathered prominent figures from the spirits industry, esteemed retailers, and global press, who enjoyed an evening of canapes, fine dining, and an exploration of the Balblair Single Malts, culminating in the tasting of the exquisite 21-year-old led by John MacDonald.
BALBLAIR 21-YEAR-OLD SINGLE MALT
The journey of the 21-year-old single malt began in 2002, maturing in American oak ex-bourbon casks for 15 years before being refined in handpicked Spanish oak casks seasoned with Oloroso wine. The result is a sherry-influenced single malt with a rich amber hue, offering a delightful aroma of burnt pineapple, apricots, cinnamon, nutmeg, caramel, apples, and honey. The palate reveals flavors of mango, pineapple, cloves, ginger, and a long finish adorned with notes of dark chocolate and tropical fruit. Bottled at 70cl with an ABV of 46%, the Balblair 21-year-old is available in limited quantity.
Reflecting on this significant achievement, John MacDonald, Balblair’s Distillery Manager, expressed, “Balblair’s 21-Year-Old is the culmination of our commitment to craftsmanship and the timeless art of whisky-making. From the moment the spirit touches the cask until it reaches full maturity, every detail is carefully nurtured, resulting in a remarkable whisky that flawlessly captures the essence of Balblair.”
Balblair 21 is intended for special occasions, to be enjoyed with friends and loved ones, or savored in solitary moments. Whether it’s a cozy evening by the fire or a moment of introspection, this opulent whisky invites a pause for reflection, celebrating the craftsmanship and journey of time that led to its creation.
Image Source: JanTrautscholdPhotography @ShutterStock
