Balblair 12 years

Score: 60

Balblair 12 is the kind of whisky that greets you like a sweet old granny—gentle, well-dressed, and carrying a plate of homemade biscuits. It’s straw-colored, delicate, and softly aromatic, with a nose of Granny Smith apples, pineapple, and a drizzle of vanilla. There’s warmth here, but it’s the quiet kind. On the palate, the apples stay front and center, joined by orange blossom honey, cookie spices, and a sprinkle of oak chips. It’s light-bodied, requiring a bit of “chewing” to coax out the full flavour, like trying to get Granny to spill her secret recipe. The finish is short and subtle, with apples lingering like a farewell hug. In the tasting, Balblair 12 came last. Not because it was flawed, but because it was simply outmatched. Against a lineup of bold cask finishes, higher ABVs, and richer profiles, this gentle dram didn’t stand a chance. It whispered when others roared. Still, there’s charm in its simplicity. Balblair 12 may not win the night, but it reminds you that not every dram needs to shout. Some just need to smile, pour gently, and offer a biscuit.