International Beverage USA announced the release of Balblair 1969, the oldest vintage of the multi-award winning Balblair Single Malt Scotch Whisky portfolio to hit the United States market. Filled from just two casks in the distillery, Balblair 1969 is 41.4% ABV, bottled at natural strength, contains natural colors and is un-chill filtered.
At the time of its production, the whisky was made from barley grown onsite and was distilled in old coal-fired stills. It was then allowed to mature for 43 years in American Oak, ex-bourbon casks in the traditional Dunnage style warehouses at Balblair.
“There is rarely a whisky that I can say really blows me away. This is one of those occasions,” said Distillery Manager John MacDonald. “It is remarkably smooth for being aged 43 years and I’m confident whisky enthusiasts will agree when I say it has been well worth the wait.”
Balblair 1969 displays a rich golden color with amber highlights. Hints of lemons, apples, bananas and toffee are evident on the nose with slightly vanilla, leather and smoky notes. On the palate, the complexity of flavors comes through well into the long finish. It is honey sweet with hints of green apples, bananas, pears and oranges. The full bodied flavor includes a hint of smokiness, together with a suggestion of toffee and vanilla.
Packaged in an elegant black lacquered display box, the suggested retail price for the 1969 is $3,400. It will be available in limited quantities at select retailers across the United States. Balblair’s previous U.S. releases include 1989, 1991, 1997, 2000 and 1975. The award-winning portfolio recently received a Gold Medal from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Beverage Testing Institute for its 1989 and 2000 vintages. For more information visit Balblair <https://www.facebook.com/balblair?fref=ts> on Facebook or www.balblair.com <http://www.balblair.com> .
