Blair Athol distillery in Pitlochry only has this one official release, the Blair Athol 12 Year Old in the Flora & Fauna series. This fairly limited series showcases some of the lesser known single malts from Diageo and although it is overshadowed by other series nowadays, many releases are still out there. Shame on me for never reviewing one!
Blair Athol is a blenders whisky: 95% of its production goes to the Bell’s blend, which has its visitors centre at the distillery.
Blair Athol 12 yo (43%, OB ‘Flora & Fauna’ +/- 2015)
Nose: malty core with dried apricots, gooseberries and plenty of orange peel. Apples with cinnamon. A lot of nutty notes (almonds). It’s a medium sherried dram with some leathery and grassy notes. Even a faint smoky note.
Mouth: a bittersweet profile, fairly sherried again. Liquorice, some leafy notes and walnuts. Zesty citrus peel. Hints of dark roast coffee. Despite the darker, leafier side there’s some honey and hints of plums to keep the balance. Tobacco. Just a hint of rubber maybe.
Finish: medium long, rather dry and toasted, with nutmeg and earthy herbs.
This Blair Athol is fairly rich at 43%. Not much fruity notes though, and I’m not too fond of its bitter edges. Around € 60.