Blair Athol 1988 27 Year Old Signatory TWE Exclusive

Tasting notes by Billy A

• Nose

  Sharp aromatics leap out of the glass immediately after pouring – green leaves, freshly cut grass, and sweet and sappy oak – but they quickly burn off to reveal more sweetness underneath. Toffee and butter shortbread are joined by lemon drizzle cake, mixed fruit jam, apple sauce and thickly buttered fruit loaf slathered with lemon curd.

• Palate

  Intense sweetness fades to reveal savoury notes – oatcakes and dry toast. Sweetness builds again, with toffee and spiced apple purée becoming almost overpowering, before revealing a core of sweet green leaves, caramel and citrus peel. The intensity softens, leaving floral and soft leafy notes.

• Finish

  Sharp spice fades to honey and green leafiness.

• Comment

  Intense but worth the ride – layers of sweet and savoury, focusing on the cask character.