Balblair feeds thirst for exclusivity

Highland single malt producer Balblair has launched a limited edition vintage whisky available only to members of its mailing list in response to demand for exclusive bottlings.

Just 168 bottles of the Limited Edition Balblair Vintage 2000 Cask No.1350 have been made, which are available for £90 each and with a maximum purchase of one bottle per member.

A specialist in vintage expressions, Balblair matured this particular whisky in American oak ex-Bourbon casks to create a profile that it describes as “a lively, intense dram” featuring “concentrated fruity notes, with spice, vanilla and toffee.” Non-chill filtered, the whisky has been bottled at a cask strength of 57.9% abv.

While many Scotch whisky producers have shifted their activity away from age-statement styles in recent years, a move seen by some as a means of ensuring supply at a time when global sales have seen considerable increases, Balblair has stood by its signature focus on vintage expression.

Introducing this latest addition to the portfolio, Balblair distillery manager John MacDonald pointed to the demand for exclusive bottlings among fans of the whisky.

“Single casks allow whisky lovers to experience individual and unique whiskies that taste like no other in the world,” he remarked, adding: “We are confident Balbair fans will enjoy it and recognise the familiar vibrancy they have come to expect of our world class whisky range.”