Blair Athol 2014 100 Proof Edition #64 11 yo

 

 

 

57,1° (100° Proof)

Distillery : Blair Athol - Highlands

2d Fill Oloroso Sherry Butts 

Independent Bottling 

By Signatory Vintage 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

The 64th bottling in the 100 Proof range, launched in January 2024 by Signatory Vintage, is an 11-year-old Blair Athol matured in second-fill Oloroso sherry butts. Blair Athol is, in my humble opinion, an underrated distillery, and it is always interesting to taste one of its expressions.

   

 

 

Let's Taste It :  

Mellow Sherry and robust oakiness, cherry wood beams, quince jelly, varnish, and light smoke that must stem from the intensity of the wood. A touch of citrus, nuts, dried fruit. Soft caramel, chocolate. Springtime freshness, morning dew, a stream winding its way between the rocks. On the palate, it is creamy, honeyed, treacle, apricot stones, then the spices come to life, black pepper, cloves. The finish is sufficiently long and powerful, brimming with sap, oozing with charcoal, mocha, buttered toasts, dates.

 

In Short, 

Critics generally aren’t too kind to this one, yet it does have its merits, the finish is really pleasant, the nose is nice, and it’s good on the palate. It’s certainly not a masterpiece, that’s for sure, but it’s a pleasant enough drink. Honestly, if you fancy trying something from the 100 Proof range, this isn’t the one I’d recommend you go for first, but if you do give it a go, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. 

Score : 86

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                 To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                               A Place To Bury Strangers - Losing Time

Blair Athol 2014 Berry Bros. & Rudd Collection Itinéraires 11 yo

 

 

 

59,2°

Distillery : Blair Athol - Highlands

Hogshead 

Independent Bottling 

By Berry Bros. & Rudd

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

This one spent 11 years in a simple Hogshead before being divided into 277 bottles. It was included in the Collection Itinéraires on the occasion of the Whisky Live Paris 2025, for an exclusive release in France. It is therefore the result of a double selection process, by Berry Bros. & Rudd, the most experienced bottler, and La Maison du Whisky. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :   

A mellow and balanced nose, we have acacia honey sprinkled with cinnamon, fruit pulp, plums, grapes, yellow apples, a few hazelnuts, malted cereals and beeswax, vanilla, sweet butter, a zest of citrus. Herbaceous tones. On the palate, fruit takes centre stage, grapefruit, vanilla cream, bananas, peaches, as well as wheat grains, followed by prominent spices, cloves, black pepper. Long and fairly respectful finish, oak bark, candied ginger, liquorice stick, sunflower oil, roots.

 

In Short, 

It's not bad at all, but nothing exceptional. It's pleasant to drink, nicely fruity, smooth and balanced, and not without a certain subtlety. It's not a whisky that will disappoint, but it lacks a little originality and character, so it's unlikely to linger in your memory. The price is reasonable, and in fact there are very few bottles left to sell. 

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                            To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                            Paper Wings - Fumblin

Blair Athol 2016 The Single Malts of Scotland Reserve Casks Collection Foundations 8 yo

 

 

 

48°

Distillery : Blair Athol - Highlands

Sherry Butts 

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

This is undoubtedly the last representative of the Reserve Casks sub-range launched in 2019, which totals nearly 60 bottlings. It is a blend of two Sherry Butts, which has been aged for 8 years. 1,600 bottles have been filled and are available exclusively on the French market, as La Maison du Whisky has selected it to be part of the Collection Foundations. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Onctuous sherry, dried bananas, heavy caramel, cherries in brandy, waxed parquet flooring, old beams, pudding studded with raisins, hazelnut cream, honeyed notes. Forest character, with blueberries and wild berries, slightly candied. On the palate, fermented fruit, black pepper, cooked figs, dark chocolate, wax polish, old apple and cinnamon. Fairly long finish, cola, a few cereal stalks, almond paste, candied cherries, angelica, a touch of liquorice and dark tobacco. Nutmeg. Fine earth. 

 

In Short, 

It's really well made. Sherry has something enchanting and bewitching about it, which makes this one very pleasant. Given its age, it lacks a little body and length on the palate, but it has beautiful fruity intensity, character and indulgence. What's more, the price was quite reasonable, but now it's no longer really available. Fortunately, I've got mine. 

Score : 87  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Sion - Just You and Me

Blair Athol 2011 Hidden Spirits 13 yo

 

 

 

51,4°

Distillery : Blair Athol - Highlands

1st Fill Sherry Hogshead 

Independent Bottling 

By Hidden Spirits 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

Continuing my tour of new releases from Hidden Spirits, I come to this 13-year-old Blair Athol, part of the Glasgow Bus Series, as the label features attractive vintage buses. It was aged in a 1st fill sherry hogshead, so I can expect a fruity flavour. 215 bottles were released from the cask.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Mountain honey, studded with dried fruit, raisins, figs, dates, brown sugar and melting chocolate. Crushed walnuts, fresh leather, a hint of orange zest, but also some mineral notes, chalk, quartz and gypsum. A pinch of salt. On the palate, it is smooth and velvety, mocha fondant, with cinnamon and candied ginger, nutmeg and delicate woody notes, rustic cereals and freshly cut hay. Fairly long finish, brioche, soft caramel, orange chutney. A touch of iodine and salt. 

 

In Short, 

It's not bad at all, the sherry is really well integrated. However, the balance isn't perfect, the mineral notes are a little strong, but after all, that gives it character. This bottling has its original side, but overall it's very old school, which is charming. What's more, the price is low, so those who are curious should take an interest.

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Alice Costelloe - Anywhere Else

Blair Athol 2011 Cask Strength Collection 13 yo c. 6

 

 

 

57,7°

Distillery : Blair Athol - Highlands

1st Fill Ruby Port Hogshead 

Independent Bottling 

By Signatory Vintage 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

I tend to enjoy whisky aged in port casks, but I'm not sure how it will turn out with Blair Athol. This one spent 13 years, 6 months and 15 days in a first-fill Ruby Port Hogshead. Ruby Port is very sweet, and that could be overpowering. 310 bottles are available for sale.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :  

Nose candied fruit, jams, it's mellow and sweet but with body, soft toffee, apple crumble, red plums, milk chocolate, roasted hazelnuts, cinnamon, a few blueberries, wild strawberries, raspberries. Ginger. On the palate, sponge cake, slightly drier fruits, stuffed dates, orange peel, cherry clafoutis, subtle cereal notes, liquorice stick. Lively spices, clove, black pepper. Fairly long finish, but not quite explosive, roots, nutmeg, pomegranate seeds, dark chocolate, a knob of cream, chestnuts.

 

In Short, 

The port is very present, with the distillery's typical mellow profile. There is a certain balance, but it still lacks a little personality. Again, however, the price is very reasonable, so it's worth giving it a try.

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Bachar Mar-Khalifé - Olive Tree

Blair Athol 2006 The Single Malts of Scotland 18 yo c. 40246

 

 

 

47,6°

Distillery : Blair Athol - Highlands

Pedro Ximénez Sherry Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

There are two Blair Athol casks at Single Malts of Scotland, they were distilled on the same day and both matured in Pedro Ximénez Sherry Hogshead casks. They were even bottled on the same day, which is why they are called sister casks. This one yielded 270 bottles. I don't think it's cask strength because the alcohol content is quite low, and I know that in this range, the products are labelled ‘optimum strength’, not cask strength.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The nose is both deep and greedy, with notes of shortbread biscuits, blackberry jelly, blueberries and blackcurrants, dried fruit, grapes, bananas, earthy and sticky caramel. The wood is mellow, having macerated in prune liqueur, cake batter with lots of eggs, dark chocolate, coffee grounds, dates. On the palate, it is smoother and more balanced, with wood and warm caramel dominating, more discreet red fruits, black tea, heather, various spices, cinnamon, nutmeg. Long finish but not quite explosive, liquorice, coffee, chewing tobacco, macerated leather, cooked peppers.

 

In Short, 

This is what we expect from a Blair Athol, a distillery that pairs well with sherry. Aged for 18 years, it produces a rich and complex whisky that preserves the vigour of fruit and spices. It perhaps lacks a little power to make it perfect. What is surprising is that it is completely unavailable one month after its release. However, the sister cask is available on several websites at a reasonable price.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Sliding Words - Time is Never Here

Blair Athol 12 yo

 

 

 

43°

Distillery : Blair Athol - Highlands

Sherry Casks 

Original Bottling 

Core Range 

Single Malt 

Launched in 1991

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

The Flora & Fauna range was launched in 1991 and brings together Single Malts from over 20 distilleries, all owned by Diageo. This one belongs to it, though it is not mentioned on the label. It has been aged in Sherry casks, I don't know why the ageing varies from distillery to distillery, but in general it suits the profile quite well.

Let's Taste It : 

Smooth but slightly inoffensive sherry, honeyed walnuts and damp leather, very ripe plums and pink grapes, exotic wood, vanilla and milk chocolate. Salted butter caramel, hazelnuts, dates and figs, quince jam. A few candied fruits, cinnamon and saffron. It's creamy on the palate, with Turkish delight, light tobacco and orchard fruits. The spices become stronger, but remain measured overall. Fair finish with the same ingredients as before, perhaps a hint of coffee. Very slight woody bitterness.

In Short, 

It's well made and representative of the distillery, but I must admit I was expecting a bit more. The Sherry could be more intense, or the finish longer. But it defends itself. The price can vary enormously depending on availability, as it's hard to find. 

Score : 85

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Samia - Pool

Blair Athol 2009 Cadenhead Original Collection 14 yo

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : Blair Athol - Highlands

Bourbon Casks and Oloroso Sherry Finish

Independent Bottling 

By William Cadenhead Limited 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured 

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

This one spent around 13 years in classic Bourbon casks, before being finished for 15 months in Oloroso Sherry casks. Blair Athol has been owned by Diageo since 1985, with only one official bottling. It is, however, a good distillery which has the advantage of marrying well with Sherry.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Nice and mellow sherry, but it lacks a little complexity. Red fruit jam, redcurrants, wild strawberries, minty freshness, candied ginger, a pinch of cinnamon, cardamom. Blood orange, gingerbread, cookie dough. It's slightly light on the palate, with muscat grapes, orchard fruits, apples and pears, and melting chocolate. Nutmeg and cloves. Very decent finish, quite long but not explosive, salted butter caramel, orange marmalade, varnished wood, black tea. A grain of coffee.

 

In Short, 

It's good, but not very complex, despite its respectable age. I may have missed something, but I didn't find this one remarkable, especially on the palate. The price seems rather high to me, other Blair Athols are much more interesting. 

Score : 86

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Madison Cunningham - Wake

Blair Athol 1988 Cask Strength Collection 29 yo c. 4859 & 4860

 

 

 

54°

Distillery : Blair Athol -Highlands

Hogsheads

Independent Bottling 

By Signatory Vintage

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2017

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

Blair Athol is a distillery founded in 1798, and acquired by United Distillers, forerunner of Diageo, in 1985. 95% of its production is used for Bell's Blend, the UK's most popular blended whisky. However, there is also an original 12-year-old bottling in the Flora & Fauna range, and a number of independent bottlings, including this one, the result of two casks distilled in 1988 and bottled 29 years and five months later. The maturation is simple, two Hogsheads, which probably previously contained Bourbon, but to which it is possible that staves from Sherry casks were added. All this resulted in a total of 427 bottles.

Let's Taste It : 

Herbaceous notes at first, freshly cut grass and angelica, then it becomes farmy, with hay and cereals, melted butter and beeswax. Green apples, white grapes, Conference pears, dried apricots. Floral touches. On the palate, ripe fruit pulp, yellow plum and lime, mirabelles and bananas, perhaps a hint of papaya. Woody notes, very discreet spices. Long, well-crafted finish, not too powerful, dried vanilla, oak bark, cola, milk chocolate, braised chestnuts.

 

In Short, 

A very beautiful, balanced and expressive Blair Athol. The fine quality of the casks gives it lovely ripe fruit on the palate, and an evocative nose, full of wax. This distillery is definitely one to remember. Unfortunately, it's sold out everywhere, but can be found at auction for a not too high price.

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           The Weather Station - Neon Signs

Blair Athol 2006 Hidden Spirits 12 yo

 

 

51,1°

Distillery : Blair Athol -  Highlands

Ex-Bourbon Cask 

Independent Bottling 

By Hidden Spirits 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2019

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

Created in 2013 by Andrea Ferrari, Hidden Spirits is brillantly keeping alive the tradition of whisky trading in Italy. Their bottlings often have a little something special for my taste, and we're going to check that out with this 12-year-old Blair Athol, aged in a single and simple Bourbon cask. 362 bottles have been put on sale.

Let's Taste It : 

Yellow apple and white peach. Fresh young wood, Haribo banana. Mint candy, and a very light medicinal touch, vaporub. Liquid acacia honey, with a touch of vanilla and white plums. Sugar glaze. Slight minerality. Shellfish, whelks and scallops. The alcohol is perfectly integrated, but it gradually becomes astringent, even bitter. The palate is a bit aggressive at first, then the fruit rises. It's acidic, woody, velvety. The spices are light, clove and cardamom. Leafy notes. A touch of camphor on the finish, followed by a long, honeyed aftertaste of vergeoise, raw grain, dried earth, sunflower seeds, sultanas and mirabelle plums.

 

In Short,

It lacks power and fullness, but on the other hand it has great complexity and subtlety. The nose, in particular, evolves a great deal, at first it's a basket of yellow fruits, then it's honeyed, costal, mineral and finally astringent. Very surprising. It's a curiosity that will delight enthusiasts. What's more, the price is quite right, and it can still be found on certain websites. You can go there with complete confidence.

Score : 88 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Warpaint - Billie Holiday

Blair Athol 2011 House of McCallum Vintage 11 yo

 

 

 

55,5°

Distillery : Blair Athol - Highlands

1st Fill Bourbon Cask 

Independent Bottling 

By House of McCallum

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2022

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

Anthony McCallum took this first-fill Bourbon cask, which now contains Blair Athol, and let it simply blossom for 11 years. For once, there was no strange experiment, proving that the house knows how to moderate itself when it needs to. Only 140 bottles were filled, and reserved for the Belgian market, for the Spiritus Sanctus festival, for which this bottling was specially made.

Let's Taste It : 

The nose is soft and round on the whole, honeyed, with mirabelle plums and a hint of earthy astringency and whitewash. Rich cereals, miesli, very light vanilla, really mellow on the palate, with all sorts of fresh grapes and plums, a bit of pastry cream and barley sugar, discreet spices, a dash of lemon meringue behind. The finish, on the other hand, is robust, with rye and genoise, dry earth, chestnuts, red cabbage and leeks. Fading honey and lemon. Sand from the beach. 

 

In Short, 

I think this one is a real success. It's very well balanced, lets the distillate express itself, the vanilla and lemon are not too strong. It's not aggressive, and at the same time there's a nice complexity. This time, the price doesn't seem excessive to me, but it must be very hard to find.

Note : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Big Daddy Wilson - Walk a Mile in my Shoes