Blair Athol 12 Year Old

Description

Blair Athol 12 Year Old is produced at the Blair Athol Distillery in Pitlochry, Perthshire, located in the Scottish Highlands. Originally established in 1798 as Aldour distillery, the name was changed to Blair Athol in 1825. The distillery operates four copper pot stills, consisting of two wash stills and two spirit stills, to produce an unpeated single malt whisky.

The whisky is crafted from 100% malted barley with water sourced from the Allt Dour Burn, a natural spring known as the “Burn of the Otter.” Fermentation times vary between 46 and 104 hours before distillation.

This expression is matured for a minimum of 12 years in ex-sherry casks, representing an exceptional allocation as approximately 95% of Blair Athol production uses ex-bourbon casks destined for Bell’s blended whisky.

The whisky presents a medium gold to tawny gold color. On the nose, dry sherry aromas are accompanied by Muscat grapes, dried apricots, treacle toffee, nutty notes, and oak char.

The palate offers dried fruit, minty herbs, Madeira wine, vanilla, oak spice, dry pepper, apple crumble, sweet sherry, and malty character with citrus. The finish features oak spice, dry pepper, apple crumble, and lingering sweetness with a medium duration.

Blair Athol 12 Year Old is part of the Flora & Fauna series, launched in 1991. The expression represents the only official regular single malt release from Blair Athol Distillery and features an otter symbol on the label, reflecting the etymology of the Allt Dour Burn water source.

The whisky is bottled in standard 70cl format and is chill-filtered with color added to maintain consistency.

This whisky is commonly enjoyed neat or with a small amount of water to open the flavor profile.