Age: 10 years

ABV: 46.0%

Cask Type: Limousin Oak XO Cognac Octaves

Bottle Size: 700ml 

From Balblair Distillery in the Scottish Highlands, a distillery celebrated for producing elegant, fruit-forward single malts with a naturally rich and approachable character. Founded in 1790, Balblair is one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries, known for whisky that balances honeyed softness with layered orchard fruit and gentle spice.

Leatherbound books.
Candied oranges.
Butterscotch.
Polished oak.

Finished in Limousin Oak XO Cognac octaves, this release brings added depth and refinement to Balblair’s classic Highland style, layering rich dried fruits, soft spice, and creamy sweetness over the distillery’s naturally elegant spirit.

Tasting Notes: This exceptional 10yo Balblair single malt, finished in Limousin oak XO Cognac octaves, transports you to a grand library. The rich scent of leatherbound books mingles with the warmth of aged oak furniture. Savour the nose of sultanas and candied oranges as you settle into the room’s calm sophistication. On the palate, creamy butterscotch and toasted oak envelop you in comfort, while the buttery-smooth finish with a hint of spice  lingers like the warmth of a crackling fire.

Natural color, non-chill filtered.

About Balblair Distillery

Balblair is located in the Highlands, outside the village of Tain. Yes, that Tain, home to that other distillery that sounds like orange (when properly pronounced). But for those who know Balblair, they know it’s certainly not a second fiddle to its neighbor Glenmorangie. Founded in 1790, Balblair holds its own against the many other Highland malts. It’s one of Scotland’s most northern distilleries, its name meaning both fertile valley and battlefield, stemming from its landscape and a face off between the Vikings and the Picts in centuries past.

Like many of the traditional scotch distilleries, Balblair relies on a generations old Porteus mill for its malt millings. As the story goes, the distinctly red Porteus mills are so reliable, never breaking down or requiring replacement that the company went out of business. Today, service for these arcane machines is rumored to be available by a single Scot, who’s training an apprentice in anticipation of his retirement.           

All Balblair whisky is stored on-site in traditional dunnage warehouses. Therefore, casks are stacked just three high and the angel’s share is relatively low, as compared to palletized warehouses which can reach up to 12 stories. Another interesting fact about Balblair is the barrel entry proof of 68.5%, as compared to 63.5% for most scotch whiskies. The scotch is added to the cask with zero dilution, again quite unusual.

Today Balblair is owned by the Inver House Distillers, a Scottish subsidiary of International Beverage Holdings. The group owns several other single malt distilleries, including Knockdhu and Old Pulteney.

Balblair’s relationship with independent bottlers is quite unique, as for many years all distillery bottlings of Balblair were actually outsourced to Gordon & MacPhail. Today, many other indie bottlers including the team at Living Souls turn out some very special bottlings outside of Balblair’s core range. The Balblair single malts are renowned for their very fruity, sweet and smooth single malts with a spicy finish.