A great, but sadly neglected, Highlander, Blair Athol is one of the gems of the Flora & Fauna range. This expression has always tended towards the chunky, sherried style, with spices and oak adding complexity to rich maltiness.
Nose – Muscat grapes and maderised wine; a hint of over- the-top Sauternes. More than a whiff of brimstone in the background, even tar. Dried apricots in the foreground, and treacle toffee. Becomes more toffeed as it is exposed to the air. With water, a dense combination of sweet and rich scents, like a basket of dried fruit, with some fresh gooseberries, apricots and oranges, topped by Russian toffees. The winey notes have fallen back.
Palate – In brief? Interesting and unusual sweet aftertaste. in a sentence? A rich, sweet malt best drunk with only a drop of water, when it holds its sweetness better.
Finish – Very curiously, a sweetness is introduced at the end, after the acidity and dryish finish has passed.