Blair Athol – Berry Bros & Rudd – Single Cask #307583 2009 12 year old Whisky

This punchy dram from Blair Athol was matured full term in an ex-Californian red wine barrique for 12 years. Only 234 bottles were produced from this outrun.

The nose is initially dominated by warm baking spices, however time in the glass brings out Blair Athol’s trademark stewed apple notes. On the palate high alcohol and spicy oak integrate beautifully to form an attacking character that demands attention – make no mistake though, this whisky shows complexity and subtlety, but it requires a little water to bring out the light apple and pear notes, and perhaps a little grilled lime and wood polish. Very powerful, but worth wresting into submission.