Balblair 1989 33 Year Old Espresso romano Cask 70.48 - The Scotch Malt Whisky Society
Nose
From the very first sniff, it is clear that a great deal of patience and craftsmanship have been at work here. A rich sweetness of forest honey and vanilla rises to the nose, followed by a hint of caramel, reminiscent of freshly made toffee. Suddenly it becomes fruity: strawberries - ripe and juicy - intermingle, accompanied by a slightly perfumed undertone. The whole is rounded off by the woody note of driftwood, which evokes memories of the rugged coastline of the Highlands.
Taste
At the first sip, the Balblair 1989 shows what it can do. Fruity-sweet flavours dominate the prelude and spread velvety-creamy in the mouth. A slight tingling sensation sets in, like the tingling of mineral water - lively and surprising. The strawberries come into play again, this time with a somewhat fresher character. It is a pleasure that develops slowly and reveals more and more nuances. This whisky needs time in the glass.
Finish
The finish is powerful and brings out the oak that the whisky has absorbed over 33 years of cask maturation. Spicy notes dominate without becoming too overpowering and a sweet finish ensures that the enjoyment does not end abruptly. The medium length of the finish leaves room for the question: another glass?
Thoughts
This whisky is an experience for anyone looking for a strong, multi-layered dram. It combines the sweetness of fruit and honey with spicy, woody elements - and manages to arouse curiosity in the process. A true Highlander that does not hide its character, but proudly presents it.
Despite its elegance, the Balblair 1989 33 Year Old is not without its critics. The influence of a sherry finish is clearly noticeable - for some this may be a plus, for others a sign of too much familiarity. The whisky is grizzelig on the tongue, which may be a reminder of the high alcohol content and spicy complexity. But this is precisely what makes it exciting: it challenges the connoisseur without overwhelming them.
For a food pairing, we recommend grilled aubergines with honey and thyme. The delicate, smoky flavours of the aubergines pair beautifully with the sweetness of the whisky, while the honey and thyme perfectly complement the sweet and spicy notes of the Balblair. This combination emphasises both the fruity and woody elements of the whisky and provides a delicious, harmonious balance.
Rating: 90/100 - World Class (Marcel: 90 | Sascha: 89)
Further Information
Bottling Series: Espresso romanoCask Type: Refill Bourbon Barrel
Cask Number: 70.48