New Balblair Age-Statement Collection Arrives in U.S. – Scotch Whisky News
New Balblair Age-Statement Collection Arrives in U.S.
EDDERTON, SCOTLAND, November 17, 2020—Multi-award-winning Highland whisky distillery, Balblair, is pleased to announce that their new age-statement collection of single malt Scotch whiskies will be available in the United States this holiday season. The revamped portfolio was first unveiled in 2019 and includes four whiskies, each showcasing the upmost quality, all of which retain the distillery’s unmistakable signature character. The new age-statement collection replaces all existing Balblair expressions.
The core collection includes:
- 12-Year-Old (SRP, $69.99): matured in American oak ex-bourbon and double-fired American oak casks, with notes of dried orange, ground spices and sweet vanilla.
- 15-Year-Old (SRP, $119.99): matured initially in American oak ex-bourbon casks, followed by first-fill Spanish oak butts, with notes of dark chocolate, tropical fruit and creamy vanilla.
- 18-Year-Old (SRP, $209.99): matured initially in American oak ex-bourbon casks, followed by first-fill Spanish oak butts, with notes of juicy apricots, vanilla custard and raisins.
- 25-Year-Old (SRP, $699.99): matured initially in American oak ex-bourbon casks then reshaped in Oloroso Spanish oak, with notes of oily citrus, chocolate praline, fresh tobacco leaf and blood oranges.
In a move away from the distillery’s recent ‘vintage-only’ approach, the launch of this collection signals a new era for Balblair. While each expression offers its own unique appeal, the series as a whole stays true to Balblair’s house style, following a gentle and considered approach with its focus firmly on quality over quantity – an attribute Balblair has become renowned for since the distillery was established in 1790.
“As one of the oldest working distilleries in the Scottish Highlands, Balblair has a long and rich history of crafting premium single malt Scotch whisky,” said John MacDonald, Distillery Manager at Balblair. “We are proud of our heritage and we will continue to honor our centuries-old traditions, but we also look forward in a quiet pursuit of perfection.”
On the new series, MacDonald also commented, “Our new collection is intrinsically linked to our heritage and is testament to the place and the people behind our whisky, while being emblematic of our ‘True Highland Spirit’.”
Inspired by Balblair’s rich past, the packaging for the new collection is reflective of the distillery’s unique and idyllic location. It takes subtle cues from the surrounding landscape: its pure Highland water source and the Pictish ‘Z-rod’ carvings etched on the ancient Clach Biorach standing stone located on the distillery’s doorstep. A larger logo area and new label font has also been incorporated into the design to create greater on-shelf brand visibility.
“Our whisky hasn’t changed: Balblair will always be a single malt Scotch whisky of premium quality, and remain true to its renowned character, “ said Laura Young, Brand Manager for Balblair. “The updated collection, complete with a new range of age statements and super-premium packaging, is a testament to the dedicated distillers who patiently craft our award-winning Highland whisky.”
Initially introduced in 2019 outside the United States, Laura added, “We’ve had an extremely positive response to the new collection from consumers around the world and we’re excited to now be sharing it with whisky fans in America.”
The Balblair core collection is now available in the U.S. from the brand’s new U.S. importer, Hotaling & Co. Currently distributed across eight states (CA, CO, IL MA, NH, NJ, NY, and TX), consumers can find the whiskies online and at fine retailers in each market. Beginning in 2021, Balblair will be available in additional markets.
For more information visit: www.balblair.com
Balblair Age-Stated Core Collection
Balblair 12-Year-Old (SRP, $69.99)
- 46% abv, matured in American oak ex-bourbon and double-fired American oak casks
- Color: Polished gold
- Aroma: Elegant bright lemon peel layered with creamy vanilla and crisp green apples
- Palate: Ground spices and dried orange slices enveloped in intense set honey sweetness
- Finish: Creamy and leathery with notes of sweet vanilla
Balblair 15-Year-Old (SRP, $119.99)
- 46% abv, matured initially in American oak ex-bourbon casks, followed by first-fill Spanish oak butts
- Color: Bright amber
- Aroma: Leatherwood honey and spicy gingerbread followed by juicy prunes and fresh lemon peel
- Palate: Velvety in texture, bursting with dark chocolate, tropical fruit and spices
- Finish: Long and mellow with notes of creamy vanilla and citrus
Balblair 18-Year-Old (SRP, $209.99)
- 46% abv, matured initially in American oak ex-bourbon casks, followed by first-fill Spanish oak butts
- Color: Oiled cedar
- Aroma: Rich toffee and baked pears shine bright against an elegant backdrop of new leather
- Palate: A masterful balance of juicy apricots, seasoned oak and vanilla custard
- Finish: Long and warming with chords of fresh spices and raisins
Balblair 25-Year-Old (SRP, $699.99)
- 46% abv, matured initially in American oak ex-bourbon casks then reshaped in Oloroso Spanish oak
- Color: Hot copper
- Aroma: Indulgent overripe apricots and dark licorice stand out against polished oak and a touch of saddle wax
- Palate: Full-bodied with oily citrus, chocolate praline and a faint note of fresh tobacco leaf
- Finish: Warming with smooth chocolate and blood oranges
About Balblair
Established in 1790, Balblair distillery is one of the oldest working distilleries in the Scottish Highlands.
Its location on the Dornoch Firth is intrinsically linked to the whisky itself, with its water source coming from the nearby Allt Dearg burn. The distillery also sits close to the site of an ancient gathering place for the Picts. On the distillery’s doorstep stands a standing stone and stone circle, erected some 4,000 years ago in the Bronze Age. Known locally as the ‘Clach Biorach’ the standing stone was used to observe the change of seasons by the Picts. They added their own unique markings to the stone and for thousands of years used it as a gathering place.
Today, Balblair prides itself on its true highland spirit, where quality comes before all else.
The distillery, which sits just off the popular North Coast 500 route, welcomed over 10,000 visitors through its doors in 2019, an increase of 7.5% over the previous year.
About International Beverage Holdings
International Beverage Holdings 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.
For time-sensitive bottles this November/December, please get your orders in early. Thanks and happy holidays! We appreciate your business. NOTE: Our walk-in retail locations are currently closed. We have curbside pickup and low cost (often free) delivery options available in ZIP codes where we can ship lawfully, including anywhere in California. We can also include any new or existing will call orders in your delivery batch. Choose local delivery at checkout to learn if you qualify.
