Blair Athol is a Diageo whisky that previously was found either in blends or independent bottles… our previous brushes with Blair Athol was the robust sherry cask strength Signatory 27 year and the Hunter Laing 16 year.
We sampled it blind….
Blair Athol 12 year 43%
- Nose – Initially quite organic, sharp old cheese, fresh rain, slight salt behind the spice, cranberry sour not sweet, a bit acetone sharpness, narrow profile, edgy fume, nutmeg… After sipping, spice, yoghurt. Leave for some time and get caramel and fruits, then goes back to spice, then gulkand rose.
- Palate – Very smooth, silk, sweet, fruity spice, buttery oily, liquorice, so easy and light, nice and enjoyable. Such spice, fruit and something else.
- Finish – Grapey, coffee
- Water – Absolutely no need
We found it had no off notes, quite a “happy” whisky. We thought it likely did not have natural coloured likely low alcohol.
And the reveal?
Not one we would have guessed but also only had limited past opportunities to sample whiskies from Blair Athol.
The official tasting notes share:
A rich, sweet malt best drunk with only a drop of water, when it holds its sweetness better.
- Nose – Muscat grapes and Madeira wine, brimstone in the background, even tar. Dried apricots in the foreground, and treacle toffee.
- Body – Medium to full bodied, but not cloying.
- Palate – Rich and mouth-filling, with a good balance.
- Finish – A curious sweetness is introduced at the end, after the acidity and dryish finish has passed.
What else did we sample that evening?
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