Unreal Market-Best Pricing on an Inspired Scotch

2005 Balblair "1st Release" Vintage Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky ($29.99)

Balblair Distillery, nestled in the heart of the Highlands, has been crafting exceptional single malt Scotch whisky since 1790. Originally founded by John Ross, it was rebuilt in 1895 by Charles C Doig. Balblair’s commitment to quality endures, drawing from its original water source—the Ault Dearg burn. The Balblair 2005 Vintage Highland Single Malt Whisky is a delightful expression from the Northern Highlands distillery, matured in American oak ex-bourbon barrels. This is the first-ever edition of Balblair's 2005 vintage and was release in 2015.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 06, 2024

We've had a number of these insane deals over the last year or two. We're talking crazy old stock that's sat in a warehouse while the brand has been pushed around to different importers. The Pulteneys, The Ancnocs, Sweeten’s Cove more recently. What makes this one so weird is that we had no trouble selling this excellent whisky back when we were charging $80 and would have been perfectly happy to have had it on the shelf at full price over the last decade or so, but instead the stocks have simply gone into a vortex. New vintages came and went, the brand has even done away with their signature "Vintage" release model, which once made it the darling of collectors and aficionados who really knew their stuff. Now we're able to sell this ridiculously lovely bottle of highland malt for a full $50 below the originally intended retails of 2015. It's our little contribution to fighting inflation. But the ridiculously low price isn't the real reason to buy this lovely bottle, the star is the gorgeous malt inside.

Here's my take. The color is a shimmering golden color owing to the 100% American oak ex-bourbon aging. The nose is classical Balblair, a mixture of complex herbal and rich buttery malt with hints of citrus and the tiniest whisp of salty smoke. This one starts with powerful aromatics and absolutely loves to sit in the glass. On the first sip, the citrus is front and center, followed by toasted vanilla and earthy malt. Non-chillfiltered of course, so a customary drop of water and more time waiting to let this one open. It truly sucks up the air so don't rush it. Now the nose is creamy rich vanilla, bold orchard fruit, sweet oak and wild honey. More citrus and fruit on the palate now too. It's not a straightforward or simple malt, but it's also not a powerhouse and thrives on subtility and restraint. Half the fun is teasing her open. The other half is drinking this delicious bottle, just take your time in the glass and you’ll be rewarded.

This is my go-to holiday gift for the upcoming season. It comes in a cool box and the bottle is unique and quite attractive. It's no longer in production and if your recipient googles it they'll see listings for $80-100+ for this same bottle. While it's a little crass to say, I love people feeling like I spent a lot of money on them. I didn't, but I did spend a lot of energy finding them the perfect $30 gift! We bought a lot, but we’ll all be kicking ourselves for not buying more when it’s gone.