Blair Athol 2009 Californian Red Wine Cask

This punchy dram was matured full term in an ex- Californian red wine barrique, the nose is initially dominated by warm baking spices, however time in the glass brings out Blair Athol’s trademark stewed apple notes. On the palate high alcohol and spicy oak integrate beautifully to form an attacking character that demands attention – make no mistake though, this whisky shows complexity and subtlety, but it requires a little water to bring out the light apple and pear notes, and perhaps a little grilled lime and wood polish. Very powerful, but worth wrestling into submission.