A Magnificent, First Fill Sherry Cask from a Favorite Highland Distillery
1995 Blair Athol 24 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single First Fill Sherry Butt Cask Strength Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)
(Pre-Arrival) ($119.99)
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We’ve been bringing in exclusive casks from Blair Athol for a while now, and every time we’re impressed with the exceptional quality of the spirit coming from this small Highland distillery. Like many Scotch collectors, we have a special place in our heart for first-fill sherry casks, a treatment that often imparts greater complexity and potency of flavor, making for a beguiling and irresistible dram. All this holds true here, but Blair Athol is known for crafting whiskies that offer a more savory approach. This counterpoint of the richness of the sherry butt against the malt’s savory tones is exquisite and will delight even the most seasoned collectors. Is this the best Blair Athol we’ve encountered? It is hard to say, but there’s no question that it ranks among the top. Because we are bringing this cask in directly, it comes with substantial savings. Casks with this kind of significant age statement very often come with a considerable premium. Hence, finding one for just under $120 is pretty remarkable. Those who fancy a classic old-school Highland malt with an unmistakable sherry influence won’t want to miss this exceptional find from Blair Athol.
1995 Blair Athol 24 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single First Fill Sherry Butt Cask Strength Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) (Pre-Arrival) ($119.99) — This product is expected to arrive for shipment or pickup by the end of November 2020.
This little distillery outside of Pitlochry is one of Scotland’s most picturesque. Few know it well on this side of the pond, but there’s a constant stream of visitors arriving to tour the famous home of Bell’s Blend. This regional blend is very popular in the U.K. and we’ve been lucky to have a steady stream of casks coming from the lovely distillery. Located just a few clicks south of the even tinier Edradour distillery, the beautiful stone buildings were originally constructed in 1798, but closed soon after opening. Now covered in vines, the distillery reopened in 1825 only to be mothballed again a century later in 1932. Finally, in 1949 it was purchased and reopened by Arthur Bell & Sons, destined to become the heart malt for their eponymous blend. The distillery features two wash and two spirit stills and a total capacity of 2.5 million liters per year, although it’s unlikely they get close to that quantity. The spirit’s character is medium to full-bodied with a distinct herbal note that lends itself nicely to maturation in sherry casks. We’ve managed to keep these excellent first fill sherry casks at an altogether reasonable price point despite the increasing age and unbelievable quality. This is one of the more complex and savory sherry butts we’ll see this year with a full body and an unctuous texture. It’s not designed for those expecting sweeter flavors, but also refrains from crossing the savory line toward sulfur. This butt turned out 262 bottles at cask strength.
