While Blair Athol is a regular in the world of independent bottlings, there is only one official expression available. That is the Blair Athol 12 Years Old from the Flora & Fauna range, which I’ll be trying today. It’s an expression with a heavy sherry influence.
You can find Blair Athol in Pitlochry. It’s a picturesque small town not far from Edinburgh, that’s probably better known for being the home of Edradour. Most, if not almost everything, of Blair Athol’s production ends in up in blended whiskies, most notably Bell’s.
Blair Athol 12 Years Old Flora & Fauna (43%, OB, 2016)
Nose: The sherry influence is quite obvious, but also restrained. Some dried apricots, but mainly orange peel. Very herbal, and with a nice menthol note as well. A whisper of smoke and soy sauce. Quite complex. I like it.
Taste: Creamy, fairly sherried and some citrus, but also lovely earthy notes. Room for cappuccino, as well as some tobacco, peanuts and wood smoke. Sweet, but dry too.
Finish: Earthy notes linger, as well as the tobacco. Some menthol too. Medium in length
Rating: 85
A pleasant surprise, as this is both rich and complex, and also has its own character. Yeah, I find this a very good whisky.
