Blair Athol – 11 Year Old 2011 Cask Noir 'Ivy by the Embers' Cask 302112 (70cl, 57.6%)

This is a single cask Blair Athol from Brave New Spirits' Cask Noir series, distilled in April 2011 and bottled in March 2023 after eleven years. It matured in an ex-Islay bourbon hogshead, which gives the Highland malt a smoky character. Cask 302112 produced 254 bottles of 70cl, bottled at cask strength of 57.6%, non-chill-filtered and without added colour. Cask Noir editions each carry their own label in the style of vintage cinema posters, with a film-inspired name. The nose opens with smoke that fades after a few minutes, then milk chocolate mousse, orange juice and zest, gooseberries and redcurrants. The palate is creamy, with nut cream and vanilla cream over a quiet smoky base. The finish is gently smoky and chocolatey, with malt and nut notes.