Blair Athol 1993 23 Year Old Sherry Cask Special Releases 2017 58.4%/700ml

A superlative example of Blair Athol, one of the Highlands’ most under-appreciated distilleries. Characterised by Blair Athol’s signature nutty, spicy character, this cask-strength single malt is full of candied peel, baked apples, chocolate and fruit-cake flavours.

This limited-edition 23-year-old whisky has been aged in ex-sherry European oak casks, resulting in a rich, full-bodied dram in quintessential Blair Athol style. A great choice for fans of sherry-aged whisky and the first time the distillery has been included in Diageo’s Special Releases.

• NOSE

  Sour apples, green leaves (tarragon and mint) and chocolate with a hint of sandalwood. Sultanas and raisins build along with candied peel and brown sugar. Water brings out orange zest, candy necklaces and floral hints.

• PALATE

  Rich and rounded with toffee and caramel sauce drizzled over singed fruit cake. Light notes of sweet baked apple float over the top, along with light, spicy fruit cake. Darker and more savoury notes of damp earth and green leaves hide underneath. Water dials up the savoury notes, revealing barrel char and bitter cocoa but balancing it with sweet cream.

• FINISH

  Treacle toffee and lardy cake leading to lemon oil and apple skins.