Blair Athol 20 Year Old Distillery Exclusive Release 52%

Nose - Mellow, with light initial prickle, and tightly integrated to begin with. The aromatic top notes are of green grapes and tropical fruits, suggesting ripe papaya and mango, all with a trace of honeydew melon in an exotic fruit salad. Subsequently, a more subtle scent of milk chocolate develops, with a trace of sweet fondant. Even a drop of water closes these aromas and introduces a spicier hint of sandalwood.

Body - Medium to full.

Palate - A rich, creamy-smooth texture fills the mouth, while the powerful taste is initially lightly sweet and crisply fruity. Then, it becomes sweetly spicy across the whole palate, evoking winter memories of eating Christmas pudding and rich, sticky ginger cake. It is highly enjoyable at natural strength, when the ginger-like spiciness warms the tongue yet the intensity remains well controlled. A dash of water brings up that initial sweetness with more light fruit and gentle spice. It's still delicious in every way.

Finish - Long, and still glowing with a spiciness that leaves the tongue tingling. At reduced strength, it is sweeter and less spicy, although still peppery.

Located in the Southern Highlands region in the attractive town of Pitlochry, Blair Athol was originally named Aldour after the river Allt Dour close by. The distillery was renamed Blair Athol by John Robertson in 1825 who also expanded the site. Blair Athol then changed hands a few times closing in 1932. Arthur Bell & Sons bought the distillery in 1933 and the whisky they produced was a vital component of Bell’s blended whisky. The family run company worked extremely hard to make the Bell’s brand as well know as it is today. The blend is currently one of the largest selling whiskies in the UK and exceptionally successful on the global stage.

Blair Athol has a very popular visitor centre in a great location that attracts tourist travelling further north into the Highlands. The official bottling is the 12 Year Old Flora & Fauna plus there are some great special releases.

Discover more great Highland Whisky here