The Whisky Exchange has just released a set of four TWE Exclusives, all sourced from the Signatory Vintage warehouses.
One of them is this Blair Athol 1988. Signatory has a long relationship with this nearby distillery and they’ve released a couple of sister casks already.
Blair Athol 27 yo 1988 (55,7%, Signatory Vintage for The Whisky Exchange 2016, refill sherry butt #6845, 565 btl.)
Blair Athol 27 yo 1988 (55,7%, Signatory Vintage for The Whisky Exchange 2016, refill sherry butt #6845, 565 btl.)Nose: really nice. A bit autumnal, with moss and leafy notes but also elegant, fruity sherry notes, chocolate coated nuts and dates. Thick but the sherry doesn’t overshadow the malty core. Caramelized apples. Hints of raisin bread. Hay and subtle leathery / waxy notes as well. Pretty perfect so far.
Mouth: more intense now with the sherry in first position. Christmas spice, cocoa, orange peel and a hint of sappy, sourish oak that works well here. Nice evolution from sweeter notes towards earthy notes. Apple peel, as well as some lemony green tea. Hints of dark toast and chocolate.
Finish: long, rather grassy, with oranges and herbal tea.
A very entertaining and slightly old-school whisky. Great nose and a densely sherried, herbal palate, which gets rounder with a few drops of water. Around € 145, exclusive to TWE.
Score: 88/100