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You are here: Home / Arran / Sampling Two New Whisky Exchange ‘Exclusives’ – Balblair 2005 & Arran 1996 – Rare Summer Treats!

Sampling Two New Whisky Exchange ‘Exclusives’ – Balblair 2005 & Arran 1996 – Rare Summer Treats!

June 8, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

More Whisky Exchange ‘Exclusives’!

The Whisky Exchange has released two more drams in it’s popular ‘Exclusives’ range!

First up is an ex-bourbon-matured Balblair 2005. Wonderfully fruity and a release that truly shows off a side of the distillery that is often overlooked.

The second dram is a 1996 Vintage Arran – matured in what The Whisky Exchange thinks was a wine cask – Arran’s records apparently are a bit spotty back in the early days of filling, and the exact cask type isn’t known!

The Whisky Exchange has kindly sent me a sample of each one to try (Thanks @WhiskyExchange!)

So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …

Tasting Notes – Balblair 2005 – Whisky Exchange Exclusive (46%)

Balblair 2005


Region: Highland
Matured in a single cask
Cask Number: 213
Bottled: 2021

Not chill-filtered
Natural colour
180 bottles available

The Balblair retails at £145

Nose: Gorgeous aromatic fruits! Ripe & ready pears, green apples topped off with cane sugar syrup.

Palate: Sweet pears and apples, a little liquorice and shades of blackcurrant.

Finish: Punchy spice tempered with those pears. Grapefruit adds some dryness at the end.

Overall: Another quality dram from The Whisky Exchange’s ‘Exclusives’ range that doesn’t disappoint. The fruit flavours are the highlight of this dram – those pear aromas are amazing! A fresh, light whisky that’s perfect for the Summer – and long may the Sun shine!

Tasting Notes – Arran 1996: 24 Years Old – Whisky Exchange Exclusive (53.4%)

Arran 1996: 24 Years Old


Region: Island
Matured in a wine cask (possibly!)
Cask Number: 757
Bottled: March 2021

Not chill-filtered
Natural colour
273 bottles available

The Arran retails at £199

Nose: Powerful spiced orange that really dominates the nose – but only in a good way! Toffee with slight hints of smoke.

Palate: Rich mouthfeel, lots of orange, sweet vanilla, and plump fruits.

Finish: A little pepper to add to the finish but in the main it’s the initial palate that continues through to the end.

Overall: A beautiful dram! Incredibly morish and satisfying. It’s a rare treat at the price I know – but what a treat!

Once again, many thanks to The Whisky Exchange (@WhiskyExchange) for the tasters!

Related posts:

Default ThumbnailThe Whisky Exchange – The New Stuff Default ThumbnailThe Whisky Exchange: A Fine Batch Of New Malts Default ThumbnailThe Whisky Exchange – New Week, New Malts! Default ThumbnailThe Whisky Exchange – Bumper New Whisky Arrivals!

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Filed Under: Arran, Balblair, Highland, Island, New Arrivals, News, Sampling, The Whisky Exchange, Whisky tasting

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