Product Launch - GLOBAL: International Beverage Holdings' Balblair 1997

International Beverage Holdings is to launch the second release of the 1997 Vintage of Balblair Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Balblair has become established as a favourite of discerning whisky drinkers worldwide. As well as being the only distillery solely releasing vintage malts, the contemporary packaging design sets it apart and the traditional production methods result in a single malt of rare quality.

As with every expression, Balblair 1997 is un-chill-filtered, naturally coloured and bottled at 46% abv for maximum flavour delivery.

Deep, golden amber in appearance, the nose of the second release of the 1997 Vintage is redolent of tropical fruit; banana and pineapple together with green apple, orange and apricot as well as notes of honey, vanilla and butterscotch. Maturation in first-fill American oak, ex-bourbon casks has ensured the characteristic Balblair sweetness on the palate is underpinned by a full-bodied spiciness. The finish is long and maintains the spiciness detected earlier; this is an exceptionally well-balanced and complex single malt.

This release means that, for the first time, there will be a core range of four Vintages (1975, 1989, 1997 and 2002) rather than three, giving whisky consumers an even greater choice.

Distillery Manager John MacDonald observes of his latest selection: “The first release of the 1997 Vintage was in 2007, so this second release has enjoyed a further five years of maturation in first-fill American oak, ex-bourbon barrels. I trust that whisky enthusiasts worldwide will appreciate this newest member of the Balblair family.”

Balblair 1997 is available in the UK at £55 RRP and in other focus markets, including France and Russia.

Original source: Company Release