Balblair 1999 - 2nd Release

There have already been two releases of the vintage 1999. They were both composed of the same type of casks (bourbon and sherry), but the first release was for Travel Retail in 1 liter bottles. Strangely enough, that was bottled in 2015, while this second release (in regular 70cl bottles and available at the time for 65 to 70 EUR) was bottled in 2014. Seems impossible.

The nose is fruity and sweet, but with a twist. I get something sweet and sour that reminds me of walnut liqueur. Apples and pears, sure, but also chewing tobacco and winegums. After a few moments Seville oranges joint in, as do cherries and a single slice of smoked ham. Quite spicy. Think ginger, cinnamon en curry. A bit weird and I am at this point undecided whether I like this or not.

On the palate I first get raisins and mandarins, before a big bitterness emerges from the wood, like the white meat on a grapefruit or tea that sat too long in the glass. Pity.

The finish is long and drying on lime zest and oak.

Around 80 EUR.

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