1988 Cadenheads Small Batch 175th Anniversary Blair Athol 28 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

From one of Scotland's oldest distilleries (est. 1798). Standing at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands, Blair Athol is famous as the signature malt in the hugely popular Bell's blends. The house style is typically rich, spiced, gingery and nutty. This is close to the oldest expression we've ever stocked. Distilled in 1988 and bottled in 2018 from two Bourbon hogsheads, the outturn was 306 bottles. Notes from Cadenheads say to expect aromas of cut grass, dried apricot and sweet toffee as well as flavours of chocolate eclairs, allspice and whipped cream followed by blueberries, cherry cake and hints of menthol at the finish.

Not normally a fan of this distillery, prolific taster, Serge Valentin was impressed. Review below. Comes presented in Cadenhead's 175th Anniversary garb. Very limited stocks.

Other reviews... I know, Blair Athol and crazy are two expressions that do not go well together, but anyone who’s tried the old official Blair Athols will know that this malt whisky can be utterly splendid ... Colour: pale gold. Nose: starts very herbal and vegetal, with some fern, pine needles, cut grass, then an even more austere development, rather on shoe polish, sour apples… With water: ah, something’s happening! Maraschino, barley water, bitter almonds, pinesap… Mouth (neat): this is better, despite these wee notes of soap and Tennent’s lager. Some green pepper, many sour apples, fruit peelings, some kind of green wax, buds of Douglas-fir… With water: no, it wouldn’t swim. Well, not quite, do not add more than two drops, otherwise it would get flattened. Finish: medium; resinous, dry. Sour cider apples. Comments: another one that’s not very easy, and perhaps a little intellectual, but I rather liked it. In fact, I think it’s my favourite. 53.6% Alc./Vol. 84 points - Serge Valentin, whiskyfun.com