Blair Athol 2008 Tokaji Gonchi Finish
Cask Type: Hogstead
Bottled: 2022
Age: 14
Region: Highland
No. of bottles: 146
ABV: 51.2%
Release: Winter Release 2022
Rob Whitehead
“The nose of this Highlander is a fruit compote made from a veritable melange of orange fruits with whisps of oak playing an ably supportive role. Comfortingly rounded on the palate, the fruit keeps on giving whilst marzipan joins the wooden structural component, which someone has lovingly oiled and polished. As the finish flows, all the previous elements gently fade whilst veering slightly drier, ensuring the requirements for a second sip!”
Tasting Notes
Rich, sweet and chewy aromas rise from the glass, offering apricot, figs, almonds and zingy marmalade. This dram takes a little time to open up, but some air brings forth some ripe green apples and a little cinnamon. The palate is thick and full, giving more jammy apricot notes and some dried fruit, but with clear distillate character coming through in the form of stewed apples and pears. A long, mouth-coating finish shows baking spice and oak. This is a big, full, warming whisky.
Distillery
Blair Athol is located south of Pitlochry in the Vale of Athol, Perthshire. This area is often described as the “gateway to the Highlands”. Foliage-covered buildings have occupied the site since 1798, making Blair Athol one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries.
Jonny says: “As well as making great whisky, Blair Athol is a very pretty distillery too with beautiful old Victorian stone buildings and it’s clad in red ivy at the right time of year. Recommend a visit to Robertsons bottle shop just along the street too…”