Balblair launches new travel collection

A new travel collection of Balblair single malts has been launched by International Beverage Group. The age-statement expressions feature a new look design.

The collection complements a new range being launched to the UK domestic market at the same time, which will replace all existing Balblair expressions.

The travel collection series features four whiskies, including one that is exclusive to Global Travel Retail.

The Travel Collection includes:

• 12 Years Old - matured in American oak ex-Bourbon and double-fired American oak casks. 
• 15 Years Old - matured initially in American oak ex-Bourbon casks, followed by first-fill Spanish oak butts.
• 17 Years Old (GTR EXCLUSIVE) - matured initially in American oak ex-Bourbon casks, followed by first-fill Spanish oak butts. Available as a 75cl. 
• 25 Years Old - matured initially in American oak ex-Bourbon casks then reshaped in Oloroso Spanish oak. Available as a 75cl.                                           

The 12 and 15-years-old expressions are available in 1L bottles to distinguish from domestic offerings. In a move away from the distillery’s current ‘vintage-only’ approach, the launch of this collection signals a new era for Balblair.

John MacDonald, distillery manager at Balblair, says: “As one of the oldest working distilleries in the Scottish Highlands, Balblair has a long and rich history of crafting premium single malt Scotch whisky. These new expressions are true to the unique characteristics that have made Balblair such a popular brand amongst whisky aficionados.

“We are proud of our heritage and we will continue to honour our centuries-old traditions, but we also look forward in our quiet pursuit of perfection.”

Commenting on the reveal, International Beverage sales director for Global Travel Retail James Bateman says: “These new Balblair expressions are another example of our commitment to building distinctive and desirable premium brands in travel retail. 

“This range sets a new standard to personify the distinctive house style and unmistakable quality and provenance of Balblair. Each expression has its own unique characteristics; all of them exude Balblair’s True Highland Spirit.”

Inspired by Balblair’s past, the packaging for the collection is reflective of the distillery’s location. It takes subtle cues from the surrounding landscape: its pure Highland water source and the Pictish ‘Z-rod’ carvings etched on the ancient Clach Biorach standing stone located on the distillery’s doorstep. A larger logo area and new label font has also been incorporated into the design to create greater on-shelf brand visibility. 

The travel collection launches initially with Dufry through its UK airports, listing three of the four expressions (12, 15, 17 year olds), before rolling out globally. 

Retail prices are: 

Balblair 12 Years Old 46% ABV 100cl :RRP £49.99/ €55.00 / $65.00  

Balblair 15 Years Old 46% ABV 100cl: RRP £74.99 / €85.00 / $100.00

Balblair 17 Years Old 46% ABV 70cl: RRP £100.00 / €115.00 / $130.00

Balblair 25 Years Old 46% ABV 70cl : RRP£430.00 / €480.00 / $565.00

14 May 2019 - Sam Coyne The Drinks Report, editor