Balblair Highland Single Malt Scotch: '91 and '97 Vintages Arrive in the US

On May 13th I was invited to the Edison by Balblair Single Malt Scotch to sample their new 1991 and 1997 vintage releases.

Balblair is one of the oldest distilleries in the Highland region of Scotland dating back to 1790.


The evening was festive at the Edison and with a couple of spokesman from Balblair introducing the vintage bottles and offering their time and expertise to us attendees eager to know about this interesting venture.

Balblair is doing in-house, what independent bottlers do, taking an exceptional distillate from a great year, and bottling it with care. Regular batches of scotch go into blends or are put down to rest and released by their age, like an 18 year old scotch.

Balblair is hand picking special malts at their distillery to release by vintage, and the '91 and '97 are the first to enter the US market.


Both vintages are aged in American oak and have sensuous fruity aromas and flavors. The 97 a harmonious blend of fruit that intensifies in the smoother 91, which has a more complex spice character. The Balblair scotch was a hit with the crowd of whiskey hounds including Eat, Drink, and Be, Merry, EstarLA, and Gourmet Pigs.

Balblair is a house with a tradition of excellence and is offering these hand crafted single malt scotches for the first time in the US.

Thanks to John Eccleston for the invitation, and you can read more about Balblair at their website.As for myself, I will be sitting on the balcony tonight enjoying the Balblair 91 with a fine cigar.