A little further along the north bank, closer to Marykirk village, passing a few nodding acquaintances, I find a strand line from recent high water which seems to be a good place for further photography and another small sample. Taste - Good mouthfeel, full and rich (jammy?). Similar to the nose really with a fruity arrival that's sweeter than expected, some of that leather note comes as it develops and then a tang of peat at the end. Robust.

As for the whisky: I’ve combined my “outdoor” tasting notes with some more conventionally acquired notes in the comfort and warmth of home. Blair Athol 12 Year Old Flora and Fauna – Review Here, despite the chilling effect of the wind, more flavour develops from this small pour. More apple, apple peelings, a deeper baked apple note. Then, slightly sour apple and homemade digestive biscuits. Swallowing gives a very smooth and gentle, but welcome warming sensation. On the nose: Apple, toffee and vanilla, Angelica, saffron, baked apples, peaches, lily, buttery toast, brandy-soaked raisins. Crafted with the utmost dedication and attention to detail, this exceptional bottle is a must-have addition to any whisky collection. Whether you're a connoisseur or a whisky enthusiast, the Blair Athol 12 Year Old 2009 (Mossburn) whisky is sure to surprise and delight your senses.

Blair Athol changed hands several times during the 1800s and eventually closed in 1932. A year later the distillery was acquired by Arthur Bell and Sons and today as much as 95% of the outturn is bourbon-matured and used in Bell’s blended products. The whisky boasts a swift maturation and the remaining five or so percent of spirit is aged in sherry casks and sold as single malt, mostly by independent bottlers.

We are entering the golden hour. Another small warming dram is called for whilst I study the river for otters. Flavours of apple, some apricot jam, light toffee and a little vanilla. Cold in the mouth initially holding onto it to before swallowing helps it warm up, and me, giving more flavour development. Slightly buttery and a little tart; perhaps pear frangipane tart. Slightly nutty. Nose - Coffee first up, tiramisu, rich toffee, vanilla fudge, pine, conifers, a slight acetone note, dark chocolate, roasted hazelnuts, digestive biscuits, Christmas pudding, dried fruits, glace cherries, raisins, old leather. Whiskybase B.V. is the Dutch private limited liability company, having its statutory seat in Rotterdam, The Netherlands and its office at Zwaanshals 530, 3035 KS Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Whiskybase B.V. is registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce under no. 52072819. At the riverbank, the river level is a good 2 feet higher than last week. The North Esk is renowned for salmon and trout but never gained the same fame as rivers such as the Tweed or Tay. It’s a spate river given to significant fluctuations in water level, with good finishing when the water is up. Three fishermen are waist-deep in the frigid waters about 300 yards downstream, so we turn west and head up stream hoping to spot an elusive otter. Finish - Medium. Leaves a nice rich, fruity coating with a touch of peat tingling the tongue. Quite dry at the end.If we decide not to exercise or enforce any right or provision of these Terms, such decision shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision.

As for the likelihood of spotting otters around the Blair Athol distillery? Well, as good as anywhere. Having been lost for much of the country between the 1950s and 1970s, there are now an estimated 8,000 otters in Scotland since being designated as a protected species. About half of Scotland’s otters are costal dwellers, and as such the very best otter spotting is around the coasts rather than inland such as Blair Athol. Distilleries such as Talisker, Scapa, or those on Islay perhaps best? Without prejudice to the section Liability below, the Service may be temporarily unavailable during maintenance, updates, etc. We shall make reasonable efforts to inform you of any unavailability due to maintenance or updates. No partnership, joint venture, agency, or employment relationship is created as a result of your use of the Service.For international deliveries, including the USA, use the 'Change Location' link above to estimate prices and delivery costs in your local currency. Find out more about international delivery Unless mandatory applicable law provides otherwise, your use of and membership to the Service are exclusively governed by Dutch law. We shall first try to settle any dispute over a dram of whisky. Disputes that cannot be settled over multiple drams of whisky shall be solely submitted to the court of Amsterdam, The Netherlands unless mandatory applicable law provides otherwise. Unlike traditional sherry casks, this batch of Blair Athol whisky has been exclusively aged in brand-new, first-fill Bourbon barrels. This meticulous aging process results in a whisky that is naturally balanced and boasts a flavor profile unlike any other. If any provision of these Terms is held invalid, the remainder of the Terms shall continue in full force and effect.