Blair Athol – 12 Years Flora & Fauna (70cl, 43%)

Blair Athol 12 Years Old is a Highland single malt from the Flora & Fauna series, which Diageo created to show the whiskies of its lesser-known distilleries. It comes in a 70cl bottle at 43% ABV. The distillery lies on the southern edge of Pitlochry and traces its origins back to 1798. This whisky matured in sherry-seasoned oak casks, which add fruitiness and a creamy texture. The nose is an intense sherry sweetness with light fruit and a hint of bonfire. On the palate come malty sweetness, shortbread and apricot, with a faint touch of peat. The finish is of medium length, balancing sweetness and dryness with a subtle spiciness.