Balblair 2000 Cask #1350

A high-strength, single second-fill Bourbon barrel selection that captures the unadulterated, estery, fruit-forward spirit of Balblair.

At-a-Glance

Historical Context

Balblair is one of the few distilleries whose collection is entirely based on vintage dating, rather than fixed age statements, releasing whiskies when the Master Distiller deems them optimally ready. The 2000 vintage, like others, saw multiple releases, notably the standard Second Release (2017 bottling).

Cask #1350 is distinguished precisely because it circumvented the standard finishing and blending strategy. Bottled as a single cask around 2014 at approximately 14 years old, it represents a dedicated effort to capture the unadulterated house style. The choice of a second-fill ex-Bourbon barrel is critical to this purpose. Second-fill casks are less active than first-fill or sherry-treated wood, providing a neutral maturation environment where the distillery's spirit profile—known for its long, 62-hour fermentation process that develops intense esters of apricot, orange, and green apple—can be preserved and concentrated. For analysts, this high-strength bourbon single cask provides the essential reference point for the raw, unvarnished DNA of the Balblair spirit.

Technical Specification & Variant Map

This expression’s specification revolves around its single cask identity and Cask Strength bottling.

Cask Maturation: The whisky was matured exclusively in Second-Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel #1350.

Strength Confirmation: The recognized commercial release for Cask #1350 is listed at a robust 57.9% ABV. This high strength maintains the volatile flavour compounds at their peak concentration.

Outturn: As a single cask bottling, the outturn is inherently limited, likely producing only 200–300 bottles.

Documented variants

Verified ABVs, sizes, markets, packaging years/regions:

57.9% ABV / 70cl: UK/EU Specialist Cask Strength bottling, Cask #1350.

54.6% ABV / 70cl: Festival/Specialist market (e.g., South Africa), from a comparable 2000 Vintage bourbon cask.

Variant Matrix

Packaging & authenticity checklist

Verification requires absolute confirmation of the single cask details. The label must explicitly state Cask #1350, the 2000 vintage, and confirm the bottling as a single cask. Given the 2014 bottling date, the cork closure should be sound, and the fill level must be Into Neck.

The primary point of distinction for buyers is ensuring the bottle is the single cask, Cask Strength version, and not mistaken for the standard, lower-strength, sherry-finished 2000 Vintage. The label must confirm 'Bourbon' maturation and the high ABV to secure the authenticity of this particular collector’s piece.

Regulatory/terminology notes

Cask #1350 meets the highest standards for specialty whiskies: it is Non-Chill-Filtered (NCF), retains its Natural Colour, and is bottled at Cask Strength. This approach ensures that the oily texture and full spectrum of flavour compounds, including the delicate estery notes, are maintained without compromise.

Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)

The flavour profile is typical of a high-quality, pure Balblair, demonstrating fresh fruit and considerable spice derived from the active alcohol content.

Nose: Extremely fresh and estery. It is dominated by vanilla, rich honey, coconut cream, and floral hints. Specific fruit notes include banana, pear, pineapple, tangerine, and distinct peaches.

Palate: Full-bodied, described as intense and punchy, exhibiting a buttery mouthfeel. Initial flavours are notably spicy, including white pepper, chili oil, cinnamon, and ginger. Underlying sweetness manifests as caramel, honey, marshmallows, and apricot.

Finish: Long, smooth, and sweet. Concluding notes are characterized by light oak spices, aniseed, and a lingering citrus profile.

With water: The Cask Strength nature (57.9% ABV) means water is often recommended to tame the initial intensity and heat. Adding water helps to remove the aggressive, woody aspect and allows the sweeter, more pleasant fruit notes to come forward.

Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)

The single cask status ensures a premium valuation, establishing a high price ceiling well above the standard vatted vintage Balblair releases.

Original RRP (GBP): Not stated by the producer. (Priced as a high-end, limited-edition release).

Current UK retail range (GBP, incl. VAT): GBP 189.00 for the 57.9% ABV Cask #1350 in specialist retail.

Recent UK/EU auction range (GBP, hammer): Single casks are highly illiquid due to rarity. General Balblair 2000 Vintages (43% ABV) have hammered between GBP 90.00 and GBP 110.00. This single cask is expected to command a significant premium over that baseline.

Price Snapshot

Pricing stratification: The scarcity resulting from the single cask outturn dictates a strong premium over standard vintage pricing. Value is derived from the purity and high technical specification (Bourbon, Cask Strength).

Liquidity & sourcing note: Liquidity is low due to the extremely limited outturn. Demand is driven by dedicated collectors seeking the purest expression of the Balblair profile.

Distillery/Bottler Snapshot

Balblair maintains a reputation for producing single malt with a distinctive fruity and complex character, achieved through controlled mashing and a notably long fermentation process. Its adherence to a Vintage-only release schedule enhances its appeal to collectors who appreciate its age-determined bottling approach.

Sourcing

Target formats/eras: Acquire bottles with validated single cask identification, 2000 vintage, and the high ABV of 57.9%.

Red flags to avoid: Confusion with vatted releases or any misrepresentation of the maturation type (must be Bourbon, not Sherry).

Condition thresholds: Given the rarity, mint condition (labels, cork, presentation) is required.

Margin/velocity expectations: Low velocity but strong margin potential due to the scarcity value.