2013 Signatory Vintage Exclusive Selection Ink #3 Collection Single Cask Blair Athol 8 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

A second addition to the INK #3 series marketed by French Retailer, Le Comptoir Irlandais is this toddler Blair Athol. While the distillery's production is primarily intended for Bell's, indies are on the rise. This one from Signatory Vintage was distilled in 2013 and filled into a rechar hogshead (a reconstituted & re-burnt cask). Akin to a malt-heavy blend, it's softer than usual for Blair Athol, offering vanilla and fruit salad on the nose as well as hints of beeswax. Likewise, the mouthfeel surprises: supple and slightly oily with flavours of barley cake, grain store and pineapple pudding, before wood spices rise in the medium long finish. Non chill-filtered at 46% Alc./Vol.

Notes from Le Comptoir Irlandais... Nose: melted, powerful, malty with hints of toast. Palate: oily, thick, malty and full of citrus fruits. Overall: in line with this pure Highland DNA with a superb texture and aromas directly derived from malted barley.