Best in Class? | Balblair 12 REVIEW

[@hamo4558]

So this is definitely one of my favourites. Who says Whisky needs to be balanced ? You like what you like. With a teaspoon of water (Ralfy style), and left to sit for 20 mins, this transcends to next level. Similarly, Cutty Sark Prohibition done the same way gives a similar effect (Sweet & Sour, pineappley), not as complex but for half the cost.

[@Gwhisky]

All opinion, of course. For me, much of it doesn't come together in the way I personally like. Glad to hear you enjoy it. 🥃

[@misantrope]

I have a bottle of Cutty Sark Prohibition in my cabinet so I´ll test that. The Balblair 12 is not available here in Sweden. There´s a nine year old but it´s almost $120 so that´s a no.

[@bluesmanen1]

For me this is a really tasteful dram. I'm absolutly gonna replace it in time. Love the 15yo. I also have the 17yo, and that's also a great dram.

[@Gwhisky]

A lot of people really love it. Just not one I seem to get much out of, unfortunately. The 17 is one I plan to try when I come across it. Cheers buddy! 🥃

[@ericlani2622]

I scored this quite a bit higher at 87. I really like the sharp freshness and dry finish. Reminds me of a Tuscan white wine. Lovely stuff

[@Gwhisky]

I can see this working very well for a white wine lover! 🥃

[@ramanavudarapu6382]

Fair review,agree with you

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks! 🥃

[@wouterblom7569]

Spot on review Geoff, I also have this at 83. Nice distillery to visit, Balblair. It feels great to walk in the movie stage of ‘The Angels’ Share’ and the gentleman giving the warehouse tour is a hoot. Cheers!

[@cemtuncel1602]

Great video, thx Geoff 🥃

[@michaelhislop4840]

"Bright and Clean" aren't words I would use to describe Balblair 12. It has a funk; I wouldn't give it to a beginner. But it sits high on my list. I love it.

[@Gwhisky]

Glad you like it! This stuff seems to work well for a lot of people. 🥃

[@misantrope]

Nice review and use of the horn 😄

[@Gwhisky]

Hah cheers. 🥃

[@JSJ07]

Absolutely top tier! Having had a bottle of this I'm keen to try the 15 year old.

[@Gwhisky]

Glad you enjoyed it. Not a favourite for me, but it's quality. Big fan of the 15. 🥃

[@andypeters2367]

Thanks for the review. Any chance to review any of the following in the future, please? AnCnoc24, Ardbeg An Oa, Arran 21, Balvenie 14 (Caribbean Cask), Balvenie 14 Week of Peat, Ben Nevis 10...any of the Glasgow 1770 releases (e.g. Peated, Cognac finsh, Triple Distilled). Thanks!

[@Gwhisky]

I don't have any of those except for the An Oa, which I will be reviewing in time. I'll look into the rest if I can find them for a good price. Cheers! 🥃

[@aryabee]

What?!?! I love Balblair 12!

[@Gwhisky]

Good to hear! Not my favourite but a lot of ppl seem to love it. 🥃

[@Koby616]

Very unique bottle look. Haven't tried the whiskey, but not sure if I would like it. Thanks for review, always fun to watch ❤

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks for watching! 🥃

[@AlinJapan]

A fair review --it's an OK whisky, but I too miss the days of the vintage bottles. I squirreled away a few of the 1991 which is delicious and complex.

[@Gwhisky]

Yes! That 91 was fantastic! 🥃

[@lightplays2181]

Balblair not or sale in Tbilisi , also expensive in Germany online market ((((

[@Gwhisky]

Just ok, but not worth a high price tag. 🥃

[@GeoffreyBangers]

What are my thoughts? What are my THOUGHTS!?? I agree, you can't get fired twice at once from the same job at the same time. But as far as the Balblair 12 yr, I have tried it. You are too harsh. I guess I've never picked up on the sharp bitter notes you have. Maybe it's a batch variation thing? My bottle is rounded and friendly, especially compared to Glencaddam 10 or Classic Laddie. Guess I'll have to try it tonight and compare. Why didn't I try it and make an informed comparison before I totally disagreed with you? Because I haven't even had breakfast yet, GEOFFREY! My wife and kid are away, and that means I get to watch whisky reviews in my underwear any time I feel like it. God, I feel alive!

[@Gwhisky]

I've heard from a few people that it's rounded and even creamy. I get none of that from my bottle, so maybe it is a batch issue. Tough to tell. Either way, glad you're a fan. Lol hope the comparison went well. And that you put one some pants for it. 😉🥃

[@jamescostigan3721]

I'm a big fan of Balblair, I really like the 12 and LOVE the 15. It is among my favorites along with Deanston 12 and Glencadam 10 you mentioned. I pay $62 for this and it is worth it, for me.

[@Gwhisky]

Glad you're a fan! I like it, but I don't love it. Agree that the 15 is a stunner! 🥃

[@hansvaneenennaam457]

Hi Geoff, good review. Tried Balblair 12 about 2 years ago. Did not find it that sharp. The citrus was nice and found it also having a creamy mouthfeel and finish. But did not really connect with it. For me it is an "ok" whisky, nice to have tried. And moving on.

[@Gwhisky]

Could be a batch thing, as I find mine quite sharp. But like you, I find it ok. Not likely to replace this one. Cheers, buddy! 🥃

[@howardbecdove9780]

Lol. Saved this review until I had a glass of this in front of me. I’ve enjoyed it from the start and I’m almost through the bottle. After you mentioned the price, I checked my regions price point. Found a fantastic deal and ordered it just as you were summarizing 😎.

[@liamclarke8411]

iv never bought a bottle of balblair after your review i wont be buying one are try them at whisky shows or mates who have a bottle to see if its worth buying at there high prices now cheers Gwhisky

[@Gwhisky]

Cheers Liam! Thanks for watching! 🥃

[@rares_21]

Never tried Balblair,but sounds interesting...Nice shirt,sporty!🫡

[@Gwhisky]

They come for the whisky, but they stay for the fashion.

[@rares_21]

@@Gwhisky ,that's a good marketing approach 😆...although, I like to think that whisky aficionados are people a little more deep.😉

[@redsox367]

Interesting review

[@GustavoLima-wp3tt]

I’ve really liked this one… I’ve tasted it side by side with the Glencadam 15, and although the later is clearly more rounded and complex, it did hold up well! I found it refreshing and inviting the next sip! Cheers!

[@Gwhisky]

Glad you're liking it. A lot of people seem to, I guess I'm just not one of them. Hah. It happens. Cheers! 🥃

[@WhiskyWolf514]

So I guess double fired would be something like : " You get fired and rehired immediately just to be fired right away once more... question mark❓" 😅 I did try Balblair 12 but wasn't too keen on it. 15 was nicer though. Thanks for the review Geoff! Fun as always! Cheers 🥃🥃

[@Gwhisky]

As always, thanks for watching my friend! 🥃

[@cemtuncel1602]

At Heathrow duty free, you'd get 100 cl bottle for 34 pounds; the price is quite convenient in the UK.

[@Gwhisky]

That's a very fair price! 🥃

[@DileepB]

yes, I paid 37 GBP for 1L at Heathrow 3 months ago.

[@cemtuncel1602]

@@DileepB if you would have ordered online before 24 hr earlier than your flight, you would have got 10% discount :) That's how you'd get 34 pounds :)

[@DileepB]

@@cemtuncel1602 They did have a 10% discount for purchases over 100 GBP. 3 Spirits and some chocolates got me over that bar!

[@josephdevine8768]

I think you nailed the description and the assessment. On the other hand, I think it is a unique whisky and one that I do want to turn to from time to time. I view it as a “perma-shelf” type whisky for me, while I can understand why some people wouldn’t like it at all.

[@Gwhisky]

And oppositely, I can see why people like this. Just not for me. Cheers Joseph! 🥃

[@DonnerPassWhisky]

As a Balblair fanboy who was very butt hurt over the rebranding I do like this 12. Yes the vintages were MUCH better but my stash of those is down to one (sadness). Recently had my last 4oz sample bottle of the 02 that was Ralfy's Whisky of the year long ago, it was Glorious and the choir of angels sang when you sipped it. Guess you have to enjoy what we have available today. Cheers

[@Gwhisky]

Very wise words, Tim. Cheers. 🥃

[@lucienvisser5405]

Haven't had the new line. Still have the vintages. The entry level vintage were very nice all bourbon matured. I get the little sour note. It has been part of the younger ones. Perhaps it has gotten a more pronounced part in the new line. Still it is probably the only full bourbon release. At the distillery the had an older, i believe 16 years, single cask caskstrength bourbon which was really really good. Didnt bought it back then at £120, a bit to much. Would like to see an older all bourbon matured one in their core range. I think it would be much beter than the 12.

[@Gwhisky]

I'd love to see a 16 bourbon-matured cs, too. I'm a fan of the brand, actually, it's just that this one isn't a favourite. Cheers! 🥃

[@thewhiskyenthusiast]

You said it perfectly Geoff, the balance is off on this one. The key elements are there but they don't come together like they do on the 15. Out of the 12, 15, 17 my pick is 15 but those vintages can be absolute bangers. Shame the price is getting out of hand though. Cheers!

[@Gwhisky]

Seems we're in the minority. Everyone else loves it, but I'm with you. The 15 is easily my go-to, although I've not had the 17. Cheers buddy! 🥃

[@jimbal6382]

I love this Balblair! Along with Tobermory 12, these two are my summer whiskies! For this summer at least..😂😂😂

[@Gwhisky]

Hah glad you're enjoying it. Loads of people seem to. I guess I must be missing something. Cheers! 🥃

[@davidowen2834]

Hi Geoff, haven’t had the new Balblair releases. Those vintage releases were excellent whiskies at good prices. Don’t think I’ll be buying anything from the new range (the new 18 is more expensive than my 91 vintage when I bought it)especially for the new hiked prices. A fair and honest review. Slàinte Geoff.🥃

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah they've shot up a lot since those vintages, unfortunately. The 15 is solid, but this 12 doesn't have me convinced. Cheers David. 🥃

[@DileepB]

Picked up a 1 L bottle at LHR duty free for 37 GBP 3 months ago, but have not opened it. $65 - 80 for 750 ml in a couple of stores that have some.

[@DileepB]

Opened my bottle and even the neck pour is quite nice! Would rate it at 85 or higher. Great value for 37 GBP for 1L. Works for this whisky enthusiast!

[@Gwhisky]

£37 for a litre is a great price. I'd feel a lot better about it if that was our price here! 🥃

[@eviltrain24]

Dang. $67 near me in the Bay Area. This dropped off my radar for reasons I don't remember. I've got a long list of sub $70 whisky's that have scored really well at this point. Doesn't seem like anything I need to chase. Thanks for review.

[@DileepB]

I would not buy it at that price.

[@Gwhisky]

Everyone else seems to love it, but yeah, I'm not getting along with it as well as I'd hoped. Maybe try a sample at a bar? 🥃

[@frankiyian]

On some occasions I find the classic laddie a bit sharper than this one.. I assume bottling consistency may play a factor here...

[@jessehill3385]

I like this much better than some of the whiskies you compared it to (Deanston in particular)!

[@Gwhisky]

Fair enough!

[@teddyballgame25]

I got the 18 for like 80 USD and pretty sure it was a mistake by the website as I typically can’t find it for less than 180. That being said, even the 18 is an 80 whisky. It’s fine.

[@Gwhisky]

What a deal! Sounds like a lucky mistake. 🥃

[@zoltanlakoyt8665]

Jesus dude. That double fired joke at 1:39 am hit me like a truck....better if I go to sleep LOL.

[@Gwhisky]

😂😂😂

[@lightplays2181]

First comment for support my friends )))

[@Gwhisky]

Hah thank you, good sir! Always appreciated! 🥃

[@lightplays2181]

@@Gwhisky thank you ) your reviews good for do choice !

[@Shane4Bass]

This is a great whisky and not that expensive on Taobao!

[@peathead4450]

Thanks for reviewing, Geoff. Decent whisky imho but not overly exciting. Not real,y much more to say... think somewhat in line with this Balblair. Slàinte mhath

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks, buddy. Yeah that's pretty much how I feel about it. 🥃

[@gareth630]

As you know I rate Deanston and Tobermory so you guessed it I like this more than you, just a sucker for the bourbon casks ;-) Just hit £50.00 UK might look at other 12's, I do agree re the 15 that is a classy dram.

[@Gwhisky]

Love the 15. This is one of those bottles I just can't seem to get behind. Glad you're a fan, buddy! 🥃

[@lewisduffy675]

I'm with ya. This is a whisky I feel I should like more. The specs are there but it just doesn't do it for me. Lacking in character. And at $90 in Alberta way too expensive for what it is. Cheers bud!

[@Gwhisky]

Seems it's a popular one, but yeah not really loving the character. Cheers buddy! 🥃

[@primalmike2484]

I bought a bottle with ralphys 90, he said it’s a must buy, must admit I was disappointed with it, Ralphy really is all in on this bottle.

[@Gwhisky]

Seems he and a lot of other people are big fans. Tough one for me to get behind, personally. 🥃

[@primalmike2484]

@@Gwhisky it’s the same with the Glen scotia 15, it’s a good whisky but Ralphy 91, nowhere near that for me. Ralphy slagged off the bothy the other day for an 83, I wud be interested in seeing a head to head blind of either the glen scotia 15, Balbair 12, vs the bothy, i do know Ralphy is scoring less these days but I wudnt be surprised if I prefer the low score bothy instead. The balblair 15 is obviously a notch up in price but it is a big notch up in quality over the 12.

[@tomtomtommyism]

Ralfy was drunk scoring this 90 (!) I reckon @@Gwhisky 🤣

[@tomtomtommyism]

I tried after the 15, because I REALLY liked that one and was curious to check the spirit without the sherry influence ....I was rather disappointed

[@jackthepickledhound]

$67 in my neighborhood. 65-75 is a terrible price point. Very rare to see an interesting bottle and a good value. Mostly just inflated prices. Sounds like they should throw one sherry cask into the vatting.

[@KnickKiller]

Definitely sharp but I enjoyed it. Big fan of the rebrand and moving away from the vintage labels.

[@Gwhisky]

I miss the vintages. The 15 is solid for sure. The 12 is decent, but not a go-to for me. Glad you're enjoying it. 🥃

[@sandrofazzolari8833]

Fine review, but I think your horn was actually a trombone. Your sense of comedy is greatly appreciated 😅thanks ciao 👋 S.

[@Gwhisky]

Thank you, my friend. Always appreciate the kind words! 🙏

[@ThisIsNotACigar]

I gave it 82. Not going to buy it again and am even reluctant to try the 15yo after this bottle.

[@Gwhisky]

Imo the 15 is a big step up and has a nice sherried influence. That being said, it's understandable. If you've had a bad experience with a brand, why keep buying it?

[@brianpotter480]

I recently did a tour of the distillery. All of their whisky is distilled in bourbon barrels for the first 12 years so the 12 is all bourbon. They then leave some in bourbon and move some to sherry casks, so the older presentations are a mixture of bourbon and sherry finish. I really like the 12, one of my favourite under £50 (UK) whiskies.

[@alehhandro1]

Bad batch?

[@Gwhisky]

Possible. Only bottle I've had of it.

[@MY-bd3fo]

My inexperience palate unable to pick up much flavour from this bottle except for bitterness and sharpness. Experience drinkers or might find it challenging or satisfying in finding each and every flavours but not for me. For the price, Balblair offering are just not good value. I bought Balblair 12 and Loch Lomond 14 inchmoan for slightly less USD70 each for 1 litre size bottle and I much prefer the Loch Lomond

[@leo25337]

It used to be a good affordable whisky but right now it costs about 30% more

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah it's had quite the bump here, too. 🥃

[@Paasken]

All I wanna know is: what sound effect and emoji would our other corporate overlords at Diageo get? 👀

[@Gwhisky]

🤬 🤬 🤬

[@RebMordechaiReviews]

I enjoyed your review but in this case, our tasting experiences are very different. I cannot agree with your assessment in this instance. Bitterness? IMO, the Deanston 12 and 18 are far more bitter and sour. Compared to the Deanston 12, this is richer, far more complex and honey sweeter. Strange. our tasting notes usually coincide pretty well together. Not this time it seems.

[@69goldi]

I found it almost "fizzy" . Glencadam 10 is a better drop in my opinion

[@Gwhisky]

Agree! 🥃

[@HolyMoley2u]

I like it but I had to pay $80 including taxes. It tasted better to me with 2 ml of water. It's not worth the money I paid but Ralfy gave it a high score of 90, so I had to try it. My bottle has a 11-25-2019 date code. I will not be buying Balblair in the near future.

[@DileepB]

too expensive.

[@BadgerJeff]

I have no idea what you said. Too distracted. #chesthair

[@Gwhisky]

Smooth-talker. 😉

[@BadgerJeff]

😂@@Gwhisky

[@furuyashinichi3211]

物凄く評価が割れるので バルブレア自体　ロット差や仕向差が大きいかもしれませんね。

[@deccyboi4218]

Jeff how long has your bottle been open? I found it massively improved after a few months

[@Gwhisky]

Been open for several months. Four, I think. 🥃

[@deccyboi4218]

Banger imo. Far superior to Glen GARIOCH 12 and on the same level as Bunna 12