This 9 year old Blair Athol has spent some time in a recharred hogshead. It’s exclusive to this month’s package deals. Deep, Rich & Dried Fruits profile.
Nose: Nuts – check. Packed full of hazel and walnut. Alongside, gingerbread, orange peels and liqueur and light nutmeg spicing. The background some dry earthiness – sun-licked soils, baked and crumbly. The addition of water brings out a savoury side with cream crackers, balsamic and a healthy sprinkle of salt.
Taste: Oily on the arrival which mixes raisins and figs with forest greens (bracken and moss). Chocolate and a freshly brewed cafetiere add some rich earthy sweetness. The mid to back palates favour woodiness – quite intense, tannic and peppery. Dilutions adds another dimension, meat pan juices, sharp balsamic and the return of the nuts in the form of chopped hazels.
Finish: Medium, quite dry and tannic with pepperiness and dried fruits (berried and stone).
One part richly sweet (and certainly nutty), equal parts cask-led - with both peppery spice and some perceptible oak tannins. I much preferred this with water – loosening the grip of cask and adding in some interesting umami aromas and flavours.