Enjoyed a bottle of Balblair 21YO whilst catching up with a few old friends. This single malt has been matured for 15years in second fill ex-Bourbon casks before a secondary maturation for 6 years in first fill ex-Oloroso casks. Reeaaaalllly like this wee dram! 😍 On the nose, it’s got wonderful notes of caramelised palm sugar and burnt raisins. I could just nose this for a good 15mins. Upon having a good sip, the primary flavours are still that of palm sugar and raisins. I’d say that the Oloroso influence comes through much more than any ex-Bourbon cask influence. Perhaps because the ex-Bourbon casks were refill casks. On the finish, then you detect more the spice influence, some cinnamon and cloves as well as a little vanilla (the Bourbon influence finally coming across). Regardless of the technicalities, this is a sumptuous treat and definitely something I will have again. Can highly recommend this Balblair. I have also really enjoyed the Balblair 15YO (great complexity and value for a fifteen year old). Now, I think I must get my hands on a Balblair 18 to see how that compares.

Posted by Whisky Dev at 2026-02-16 07:09:29 UTC