Highland

an Cnoc 22 Years Old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
46% ABV
$ 159
Website

What the Distillery Says:
Matured predominately in American oak, ex-bourbon casks as well as Spanish oak, ex-sherry butts, anCnoc 22 Years Old displays complexity and a wealth of character but its long lasting rich, smoky finish sets this dram apart from the younger offerings.

Colour: Bright gold with a copper tint.

Nose: Sweet and spicy with notes of honey and toffee. Warm Christmas cake is accentuated by the freshness of lemons, green apples and cut flowers. All wrapped in a delicate whiff of wood smoke.

Taste: Full bodied and complex. Distinct crushed clove, raisin and blood orange flavours are at the front, closely followed by layers of fragrant vanilla and leather. The long, rich finish is smoky and spicy.

What Richard Says:
Nose: A slight meaty sherried note. A bit of crisp citrus drizzled with honey.
Palate: Very nice round body with a sherry accent but not too much. It reminds me of my own homemade scones: raisins, allspice, cinnamon and ginger.
Finish: Aggressive at 46% but not hot. Cocoa powder and dried fruits with a nice oak base.
Comments: Delicious. The mix of sherry and exbourbon wood make for a balanced sherry influence without being in your face about it. The whole whiskey from nose to finish shows great depth and balance.
Rating: Stands Out

We would like to thank The Thomas Collective and International Beverage for sending us a sample for review.

Balblair 1989 Vintage Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
2nd Release
43% ABV
$130
Website

What the Distillery Says:
Balblair Vintage 1989 2nd release was introduced in 2010. A full-bodied malt with aromas of raisin, green apple and hints of banana and lemon.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Balblair 1989 is mid-amber in appearance with honey-gold highlights.

Aroma: The American oak barrels, used in the distillate’s maturation, lend a warm toffee, vanilla fragrance.

Palate: On the palate there are raisins and fruits with a rich spiciness.

Finish: Long, complex and smooth finish.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Lovely nose of bright floral notes, bananas, and canned apple pie filling.
Palate: Fruity sweet with the intensity of dried fruit and raisins.
Finish: A little black pepper on the way down. There’s an odd rubber/medicinal note mid finish and then it smooths out into mellow oak.
Comments: A very nice middle aged expression of Balblair. This one is for those whisky drinkers with a sweet tooth. The finish is a little off putting but then just keep drinking so that it stays on the palate and problem solved!
Rating: Stands Out

Balblair 2002 Vintage Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
46% ABV
$60
Website

What the Distillery Says:
Balblair 2002 is a Highland single malt Scotch whisky that has been uniquely marked with the age the whisky has been laid down.

Balblair was established in 1790, making it one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland and the oldest working distillery in the Highlands. Every year, Balblair Distillery Manager John MacDonald tastes, judges and selects straight from the cask, bottling at exactly the right moment, when the balance between the age and the character of the whisky is at its best. Small batches are made available when the time is right, making Balblair a malt that is released in vintages.

Tasting Notes
Color: Balblair 2002 has a sparkling gold appearance.
Nose: On the nose there are the signature Balblair aromas: floral and fragrant with zesty fruits such as oranges and lemons. The American oak, ex-bourbon barrels used in the maturation impart toffee and vanilla notes.
Taste: Full-bodied, yet sweet and spicy in character, with hints of oranges, lemons, green apples, toffee, and vanilla. There is a typical long finish as the floral and fruit notes develop and combine with the initial spice and sweetness from the American oak casks.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Bright cherries, overripe bananas, kiwi, and flowery. A Caribbean Banana Mama?
Palate: Milk chocolate, raw nuts, vanilla, light sweet caramel. Caramel flan with a kiwi reduction.
Finish: Light, floral finish with very little wood or burn.
Comments: Wow, what a difference a couple of years makes. The 2002 vintage is head and shoulders above the 2000 we reviewed earlier. A light aperitif dram for sure but very nice.
Rating: Stands Out

We would like to thank the Thomas Collective and International Beverage for providing samples for review.