Single Malts of Scotland Balblair 40 Years Old

Tasted in Whisky Magazine Issue 54 by Martine Nouet and Dave Broom.

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Tasting Notes

Martine Nouet Nose Musty. Apples and pears drying on racks. A hint of crystallised violet. Then a more earthy profile. Wet pine needles. Dead leaves. Palate Fresh but mellow. Lots of honey. Roasted almonds. Currants and dried apricots. Candied pineapple. Spices take over fruit. Finish Long, lingering, warm. Star anise, drying out on an oaky edge. Comment Old and complex but keeping fit. A rich character, to be enjoyed right now.

Dave Broom Nose Everything here is pastel-shaded: flowers, Edinburgh rock, apple cake, grass, ginger. Well balanced. Highly oily, suggesting good age almost into varnish, old book shop, dried fruit, beeswax. Palate A little disappointing after such an excellent nose. Like many old whiskies it has a fragility to it. Tannins a little high. The fungal depth of old Cognac. Finish Long, tannic then fades quickly. Comment Highly perfumed. This needs time to open. Worth a look. Good price!