The Highlands, in the north of Scotland, is home to the culture and heritage of whisky.
This new chapter of the legend begins with the history of Balblair, a single malt Scotch whisky from one of the oldest working distilleries in the heart of the Scottish Highlands through to the official launch of finely-crafted age-statement single malt Scotch whiskies in a new collection consisting of 12-Year-Old Balblair, 15-Year-Old Balblair, 18-Year-Old Balblair, and 25-Year-Old Balblair in Thailand.
The new series features brand new premium packaging which reflects the location and people behind the whiskies from generation to generation for over 200 years. The collection is meant for consumers who have a passion for the real character of whisky and who are looking for an original drinking experience. An exclusive dinner was held to introduce “Balblair” in true style at Character Whisky & Cigar bar for whisky lovers who experienced ‘The True Highland Spirit’ for which the flavor quality has been recognized through numerous global awards.
In keeping with the inspiration of its longstanding history and ambition to craft perfection, Balblair has its own unique appeal and character. The series stays true to Balblair’s house style, following a gentle and considered approach with a focus firmly on quality over quantity – an attribute for which Balblair is renowned.
This new chapter of the legend begins with the history of Balblair, a single malt Scotch whisky from one of the oldest working distilleries in the heart of the Scottish Highlands through to the official launch of finely-crafted age-statement single malt Scotch whiskies in a new collection consisting of 12-Year-Old Balblair, 15-Year-Old Balblair, 18-Year-Old Balblair, and 25-Year-Old Balblair in Thailand.
The new series features brand new premium packaging which reflects the location and people behind the whiskies from generation to generation for over 200 years. The collection is meant for consumers who have a passion for the real character of whisky and who are looking for an original drinking experience. An exclusive dinner was held to introduce “Balblair” in true style at Character Whisky & Cigar bar for whisky lovers who experienced ‘The True Highland Spirit’ for which the flavor quality has been recognized through numerous global awards.
In keeping with the inspiration of its longstanding history and ambition to craft perfection, Balblair has its own unique appeal and character. The series stays true to Balblair’s house style, following a gentle and considered approach with a focus firmly on quality over quantity – an attribute for which Balblair is renowned.
The launch included a masterclass led by Lukasz Dynowiak, Global Brand Ambassador, who flew over to talk about the distillery’s long history – having been founded in 1790 in Edderton, located in the north of the Highlands. “Since its establishment, the distillery’s operations have been run by the family, from generation to generation, together with a small team. Thus, the production capacity is quite small. The process remains traditional in keeping with the distillery’s aim of keeping ‘The True Highland Spirit.’ The ingredients of single malt Scotch whisky are only water and barley. The water used in the process is from Allt Dearg burn, known as a source with the most pure crystal-clear water in Scotland, and which is meticulously processed. After the traditional maturation process, in which Balblair uses wood and an extended period to impressively capture the flavor, aroma and character of the whisky, the key procedure is fermentation, as it captures the color and character of each expression from the wood casks that are smoked before the maturation process, which enhances the aroma. Anyone trying it for the first time will gain a greater understanding of the time, experience and care that goes into creating it,” said Lukasz.
The masterclass introduced the new whisky collection which includes:
The masterclass introduced the new whisky collection which includes:
- 12-Year-Old - matured in American oak ex-bourbon and double-fired American oak casks, with notes of dried orange, ground spices and sweet vanilla.
- 15-Year-Old - matured initially in American oak ex-bourbon casks, followed by first-fill Spanish oak butts, with notes of dark chocolate, tropical fruit and creamy vanilla.
- 18-Year-Old - matured initially in American oak ex-bourbon casks, followed by first-fill Spanish oak butts, with notes of juicy apricots, vanilla custard and raisins. Winner of the gold medal from the International Spirits Challenge 2019 and the 95-point gold medal from the International Wine & Spirits Competition 2019.
- 25-Year-Old - matured initially in American oak ex-bourbon casks then reshaped in Oloroso Spanish oak, with notes of oily citrus, chocolate pralines, fresh tobacco leaves and blood oranges. This expression is available in Thailand in a limited edition of only 25 bottles. Winner of the 98-point gold medal from the International Wine & Spirits Competition 2019.
In addition, an exclusive dinner was held to introduce the new Balblair collection in collaboration with Character Whisky & Cigar Bar, Bangkok’s best cigar bar at Aqua, Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel, to leverage the premium whisky experience. The bar offered an intimate ambiance having been decorated to simulate the luxurious Eastern & Oriental Express train with classic leather sofas. It is one of five bars in Bangkok granted with a Bangkok After Dark (BAD) award by BK Asia. The dinner was attended by numerous VIP guests who discovered a premium whisky experience including Samornwan Rattakul, Toranin Kiatichai, Wasin Saiyawan, Nonthiwat Prabhananda, Chonladet Khemarattana, Vorarat Charoonsmith, Nop Narongdej, Chalermchai Mahagitsiri, Sittichai Leeswadtrakul, Supachai Kanjanasakchai, and Pasu Liptapanlop, among others.
Toranin Kiatichai, a partner at Character Whisky & Cigar Bar, said, “Five or six years ago, I had the chance to try Balblair vintage whisky in Scotland. And I still remember very well its unique expression which represents the fruity character to perfection. I appreciate that Balblair’s distillery features a meticulous production and ingredient selection process so our cigar bar became a retailer of this brand without hesitation to enhance indulgence and offer a true premium experience to our customers. I hope whisky lovers will savor the characteristics of Balblair and be as impressed as I am.”
The exclusive dinner was impressive, with special dishes created by the restaurant’s culinary team that were paired with each whisky expression. The course began with Scottish Smoked Salmon, Celery Apple Jus, Radish, Burn Orange & Zest paired with 12-Year-Old Balblair; Duck Rillettes, Poached, Pears, Orange Nage paired with 15-Year-Old Balblair; and the main course which consisted of Iberico Pork Loin, Citrus Sous Vide, Apple Chutney, Hassel Back Potato, Peppercorn, or Beef Tenderloin, Green Pea, Potato, Onion, Herb Butter paired with 18-Year-Old Balblair. The course was finished with Pear, Spiced Poached, Chocolate Truffle & Raspberry Sorbet and a surprise with the unveiling of the premium 25-Year-Old Balblair for the honored guests in attendance to savor for the first time in Thailand.
Enjoy a precious whisky experience that represents the True Highland Spirit today at Character Whisky & Cigar Bar and other retailers.
Visit https://www.facebook.com/balblair/ for more information.
Toranin Kiatichai, a partner at Character Whisky & Cigar Bar, said, “Five or six years ago, I had the chance to try Balblair vintage whisky in Scotland. And I still remember very well its unique expression which represents the fruity character to perfection. I appreciate that Balblair’s distillery features a meticulous production and ingredient selection process so our cigar bar became a retailer of this brand without hesitation to enhance indulgence and offer a true premium experience to our customers. I hope whisky lovers will savor the characteristics of Balblair and be as impressed as I am.”
The exclusive dinner was impressive, with special dishes created by the restaurant’s culinary team that were paired with each whisky expression. The course began with Scottish Smoked Salmon, Celery Apple Jus, Radish, Burn Orange & Zest paired with 12-Year-Old Balblair; Duck Rillettes, Poached, Pears, Orange Nage paired with 15-Year-Old Balblair; and the main course which consisted of Iberico Pork Loin, Citrus Sous Vide, Apple Chutney, Hassel Back Potato, Peppercorn, or Beef Tenderloin, Green Pea, Potato, Onion, Herb Butter paired with 18-Year-Old Balblair. The course was finished with Pear, Spiced Poached, Chocolate Truffle & Raspberry Sorbet and a surprise with the unveiling of the premium 25-Year-Old Balblair for the honored guests in attendance to savor for the first time in Thailand.
Enjoy a precious whisky experience that represents the True Highland Spirit today at Character Whisky & Cigar Bar and other retailers.
Visit https://www.facebook.com/balblair/ for more information.