Blackadder “The Legendary” 29 Years Speyside Blended Malt Scotch Whisky: A Rare Find with a Rich Story

When it comes to independent bottlers, Blackadder has carved a reputation for offering something truly special. They’re known for their transparency and commitment to delivering whisky in its purest form—often unfiltered, raw, and straight from the cask. The “Legendary” 29 Years Speyside Blended Malt is no exception. A single cask bottling distilled in 1988 and labeled as “Burnside,” this whisky comes with an interesting twist: it’s primarily Balvenie, but with a tiny splash of Glenfiddich—a blending practice known as “teaspooning.” This ensures that it can’t be sold as a single malt, even though its heart and soul remain very much tied to Balvenie’s iconic style. Bottled in 2018, just shy of its 30th birthday, this whisky promises to deliver a sophisticated and layered experience.

Average Retail Price: $399+

Tasting Notes Profile

Appearance
Color: In the glass, the Blackadder “Legendary” 29 Years gleams with light golden hues. 
Legs: After a gentle swirl, slow-moving, thick legs glide down the glass, giving away its high viscosity. You can tell immediately that this whisky has some weight to it—a mouth-coating experience is on the horizon.

Nose
On the nose, there’s an elegant, almost perfumed quality. Baked apples and butterscotch rise up first, offering a rich, sweet welcome.As the aromas evolve, honeyed notes mix with dried apricots and figs, creating a luxurious, almost dessert-like complexity. At the edges, you catch subtle hints of sandalwood and oak, grounding the sweetness with a touch of spice and wood. 

Palate
The first sip offers an amazing fruity sweetness followed by a lively burst of tartness. As it evolves, spicy notes and ripe tree fruits dance together, balanced by gentle oakiness. The flavors flow seamlessly, creating a harmonious experience that’s both rich and vibrant.

Finish
The finish is long and satisfying, lingering on the palate for what feels like an eternity.
As the initial flavors fade, the spices remain, with cloves and a hint of cinnamon carrying through. A final fruity burst keeps it fresh and lively, while the oak offers a comforting warmth. It’s a beautifully balanced finish that leaves you wanting more.

Overall Impression

Blackadder’s “Legendary” 29 Years is a whisky that doesn’t just sit in the glass—it unfolds like a story, with each sip revealing a new chapter. The balance between the fruit-forward sweetness, tartness, spice, and oak is nothing short of masterful. For a whisky that’s spent nearly three decades in a cask, it’s remarkably lively and complex yet perfectly polished. Whether you enjoy it neat or with a few drops of water to explore those deeper layers, you’re in for a treat.

Conclusion

If you’re on the hunt for a rare, long-aged Speyside malt with layers of complexity and balance, this Blackadder “Legendary” 29 Years is a must-try. It’s a whisky that rewards patience and contemplation, perfect for those moments when you want to slow down and savor something truly special.  Learn about Blackadder history here on Wikipedia.

Have you had a chance to try this legendary bottling? I’d love to hear your thoughts—share your experience in the comments below.