Chapter 7 - Monologue Blair Athol 12 Year Old Bourbon Cask
Blair Athol is one of Diageo's workhorse distilleries. Much of its malt whisky ends up in Bell's blended scotch. It's a beautiful distillery built in 1798 in Pitlochry. It has a nutty character resulting from cloudy worts and short fermentation. Allowing controlled levels of solids to come across in the wash still adds a deep, rich meatloaf character.
The majority of Blair Athol casks destined for blending are ex-bourbon barrels. So, this release from Chapter 7 is a rare exception: a wine cask aged Blair Athol. The cask is likely a 2nd or 3rd fill, resulting in a complex dram rather than a dominant one.
Nose: Fruit syrup, honey and brown muscovado sugar. Apple, canned pears, peaches, apricots, and kiwis.
Palate: Barley syrup and preserved fruits. Muesli and cereal. Citrons, lemon zest, and chalk.
Finish: Vanilla, coffee liqueurs and creams.