Balblair Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky showcased three travel retail exclusive vintages during a campaign at Edinburgh Airport last month.
The promotional stand was specially designed to highlight Balblair’s “˜Timed to Perfection’ brand messaging, and consumers were invited to sample Balblair Vintage 1999 first release, Balblair Vintage 2004 matured in bourbon barrels and Balblair Vintage 2004 matured in sherry butts. The latter was previously only available in Asia, but all three vintages were available for purchase on the stand.
Consumers were encouraged to engage with Balblair experts while sampling their very own dram.
Balblair Trade Marketing Manager Sarah Clark commented: “Educating consumers about our vintages “˜Timed to Perfection’ is important in understanding our process at Balblair and how we differ from other single malts. We feel that we have really brought this messaging to life with our eye-catching display.”
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The stand was designed to highlight Balblair’s “˜Timed to Perfection’ brand messaging |
Balblair 2004 Bourbon Matured
Recommended retail price (RRP): £44.99, $73.99, €54.99 (stocked by global duty free outlets)
Colour: Golden
On the nose: Aromas of orange, lemon and green apple, with hints of leather, coconut and honey. American oak, ex-bourbon barrels used for maturation impart a vanilla fragrance.
On the palate: Citrus fruits combine with vanilla, coconut and honey to offer a “zesty yet spicy”, long-lasting finish.
Balblair 2004 Sherry Matured
RRP: £49.99, $82.99, €59.99 (available for Asian duty free operators only)
Colour: Bronzed amber
On the nose: raisins, leather and spice with hints of green apple, citrus fruits and dark chocolate. American and Spanish oak, ex-sherry butts used in maturation impart a spicy note and vanilla fragrance.
On the palate: hints of raisins and spice combine with vanilla, coconut and honey to create a smooth, warming, long-lasting finish.
Balblair 1999 1st Release
RRP: £54.99, $89.99, €65.99 (available at global duty free outlets)
Colour: Copper bronze
On the nose: signature Balblair floral and fragrant aromas of green apples, citrus fruits and vanilla. The American oak, ex-bourbon barrels and Spanish oak, ex-sherry butts impart a spiciness and notes of leather, honey and chocolate.
On the palate: honey and vanilla notes combine with a spiciness and sweet toffee; finish is described as long-lasting, “sweet yet spicy”
Established in 1790, Balblair Distillery is said to be one of the oldest working distilleries in Scotland and the oldest working in the Highlands. Its whiskies are named after the year they were made, rather than being made to specific age statements.
According to Balblair selected vintages are at the peak of perfection, hand-picked to represent the best that the distillery has to offer. “Every cask is sampled, judged and selected by John MacDonald, the Distillery Manager, to find its optimum maturation point – the point at which each vintage says it’s ready,” the distiller said. “Any casks not selected, are simply not chosen because they are not deemed to have reached perfection. For Balblair, timing is everything. It’s an art, an alchemy, a way of life.”
