Balblair – 1989 31 Year Old (2021) (46%)

This is a Highland single malt from Balblair, distilled in 1989 and bottled in 2021 after 31 years in oak casks. It is bottled at 46% ABV, with natural colour and without chill filtration. The long maturation is described as bringing tropical fruit, warm spices, honey and old oak, along with a characteristic roundness. The nose offers ripe mango, apricot, baked apple and honey, with notes of old sherry and French polish. The palate is silky and deep, with vanilla, toffee, spices, orange zest and mature oak. The finish is long, warm and slightly oily, balancing sweetness and wood.