Balblair 15 Year Old Scotch Whisky
Balblair 15 Year Old Scotch Whisky is a 46% ABV (92 proof) Highland single malt matured 15 years in American oak ex-bourbon casks and finished in first-fill Spanish oak butts, bottled at natural colour without chill filtration in this 750mL bottle. The middle child of the age-statement core range Balblair launched in 2019, it takes the distillery's honeyed highland character and deepens it with sherry-cask richness — leatherwood honey and gingerbread on the nose, dark chocolate and tropical fruit on the palate, and a long, mellow vanilla-and-citrus finish. Order it online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 46% (92 proof) — natural colour, non-chill filtered
- Size: 750mL
- Age: 15 years — ex-bourbon casks, finished in first-fill Spanish oak butts
- Distillery: Balblair, Edderton, Ross-shire — founded 1790
- Style: Highland single malt, sherried, full-bodied
Fifteen Years Into the Spanish Oak
If the 12 is Balblair's bright handshake, the 15 is the long conversation: the Spanish oak butts add layers of dried fruit, dark chocolate, and warm spice that the entry expression never sees. It's the range's sweet spot for drinkers who want real sherry influence without the 18's price. Shop more Scotch whisky, browse whisky, or see every Balblair expression.
Tasting Notes
Leatherwood honey and spicy gingerbread on the nose, with juicy prunes and fresh lemon peel behind them. The palate is velvety — dark chocolate, tropical fruit, warming spices — and the finish runs long and mellow with creamy vanilla and citrus.
How to Enjoy
Neat in a Glencairn, with a splash of water optional — it opens the honey and chocolate notes. A natural partner for dark chocolate or dried figs; save the ice, it would dull the sherry character.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Balblair 12 and 15?
The 15 adds a sherry-cask finish (first-fill Spanish oak butts) the 12 doesn't have, plus three more years — deeper fruit, chocolate, and spice against the 12's brighter citrus style.
Is Balblair 15 peated?
No — it's an unpeated Highland single malt.
When was the Balblair age-statement range released?
In March 2019, when Balblair replaced its vintage-only releases with the 12, 15, 18, and 25 year old core range.
For the sherried middle of the Balblair range, order Balblair 15 Year Old Scotch Whisky online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA — 750mL of Highland single malt.