Balblair Vintage 1986

Set near the village of Edderton, Balblair can trace its roots back to 1749, although it moved site in the 1870s to its current location to take advantage of the nearby railway. For much of its existence Balblair was family owned until the estate was liquidated in 1941. Sensing an opportunity after the war, local solicitor Robert James Cumming purchased the distillery in 1948 and restarted production the following year. He brought some much-needed investment and expansion to the distillery before retiring in 1970. Balblair survived because of its reliance on popular blends to secure orders from Bell’s, Whyte & Mackay, Hiram Walker and Ballantines. Today, it has gained popularity as a single malt thanks to a strong presence at retail, which started in 2007. A whisky from Balblair can be a wonderful expression of the Highlands and this well-preserved distillery offers something different compared to the nearby Dalmore and Glenmorangie.