Balblair's 18-year-old was introduced in 2019 and looks the pick of the range for those who don't wish to shell out for the 25-year-old. This 18-year-old Balblair was matured initially in ex-bourbon casks before a finishing period in first fill sherry butts, and has been bottled at 46% without colouring or chill filtration, just as it should be.
Balblair is one of those brilliant Highland single malts whose spirit is of such high quality that it's delicious when young but also has the technical quality and character to survive and thrive for much longer ageing periods. This 18-year-old has a foot in both camps, with youthful exuberance tempered by delicious leathery, spicy oak.