Balblair Releases Millennium Malt on to the Global Drinks Market

Multi award-winning Balblair Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky has unveiled its latest vintage expression – Balblair 2000, another perfectly timed addition to the Balblair portfolio.

Distilled in the Millennium year, this unique spirit is the latest handpicked choice of Distillery Manager John MacDonald and is another example of the distillery’s unique approach to only ever releasing premium vintages which have matured to perfection.

Only limited quantities of this vintage will be made available to specialist whisky outlets throughout the UK this September and will be rolled out internationally to key focus markets including France, Spain and the travel retail channel.

Slowly matured in single American oak ex bourbon casks, Balblair 2000 vintage is bottled in its purest form at a strength of 43% abv. Bright golden in appearance, it is a superbly well-balanced, full-bodied malt with aromas of pears, pineapple and green apple. On the palate the sweet, honey, floral notes combined with hints of coconut and rich spices lead to a smooth, long lasting and warm finish.

Says Distillery Manager John MacDonald: “We are delighted to be introducing this new addition to our vintage range. We have spent a great deal of time and care in selecting this perfect malt and all the hard work, dedication and devotion has paid off.  We are confident that whisky enthusiasts worldwide will really enjoy this newest member of the Balblair family.”

Balblair Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky is ‘timed to perfection’ in every sense. At Balblair’s distillery, on the shores of the Dornoch Firth in Edderton, Tain, super-premium vintage expressions are specially selected after a complex tasting and nosing process. Only the finest whiskies – those that have reached the peak of their perfection – are chosen and named by the year that they were distilled and layed down in cask.

Following a highly successful US launch this May, Balblair has become established as ‘the’ quality choice for discerning malt whisky drinkers worldwide. Its contemporary design, sets it apart, and the celebrated taste reflects the time honoured and un-rushed methods of production that have remained virtually unchanged over the years

Balblair 2000 will retail in the UK at £31.50 per bottle.

Notes:

The Balblair Porfolio includes;
1979  –  46% (70cl) –  £84.99
1989  –  43% (70cl) – £39.95
1997   – 43% (70cl) – £27.99

Balblair 1979 is amber in appearance with radiant golden honey highlights. A superbly balanced malt with warm aromas of honey, toffee and vanilla that come from the long years of maturation in American oak barrels.  Cloves, oranges, bananas and pears can also be detected in the aroma adding to the complexity of this exceptional Vintage. Sweet, honey vanilla flavours combine with cloves and spices leading to a rich, full-bodied, long-lasting, finish.

Balblair 1989 is mid-amber in appearance with honey-gold highlights. A full-bodied malt with aromas of raisin, green apple and hints of banana and lemon. The American oak barrels, used in the distillate’s maturation, lend a warm toffee, vanilla fragrance. On the palate there are raisins and fruits with a rich spiciness leading to a long, complex and ultimately smooth finish.

Balblair 1997 is subtly amber in appearance with rose-golden highlights. This full-bodied malt is fused with the aromas of pineapple, apricot and lemon to create a long-lasting sweet finish.  On the nose, the American oak barrels used in the distillate’s maturation, produce an inviting, spicy fragrance. Hints of oak, spice and raisin combine with the sweetness of vanilla to create a long-lingering, creamy smooth finish on the palate

International Beverage Holdings (www.interbevgroup.com) was established in 2005 as the international arm of ThaiBev, one of South East Asia’s leading alcohol beverage companies. With a network of regional offices in Asia, Europe and North America, the company is responsible for the production, sales, marketing and distribution of a portfolio of premium global brands in over 80 countries and territories.

Inver House Distillers (www.inverhouse.com) is globally integrated into International Beverage Holdings and drives the distillation and maturation of Scotch through its five distilleries.
International Beverage brands include:

 Chang Beer: Thailand’s iconic beer brand
 Single Malt Scotch Whiskies: Old Pulteney, Balblair, anCnoc, Speyburn
 Blended Whiskies: Hankey Bannister
 Mekhong: ‘The Spirit of Thailand’ since 1941
 Caorunn – a small batch distilled Scottish Gin infused with 5 Celtic botanicals
The company’s success is built on the combination of a strong understanding of local cultures and markets with the creation of a truly global operational network.  Brand building pays respect to heritage, provenance and craftsmanship whilst delivering innovative and highly effective strategies at global level. A skilled and dedicated team of more than 12 nationalities speaking over 14 languages delivers the highest standards of customer service and attention to detail across all aspects of the business.