Blair Athol – 13 Year Old 2011 (Red Wine Cask Collection) (Old Particular)

This is a 13 year old Blair Athol from the Highlands, bottled by Douglas Laing & Co in its Old Particular range as part of the Red Wine Cask Collection. It was matured for an extended period in a single Sangiovese red wine cask from Italy. The Sangiovese adds its own rounded character to the depth of the Highland malt, and the Italian oak lets the malty sweetness of the whisky come through. On the nose there are dark cherries, dried fruits and spiced oak. The finish is long and smooth, with red berries and sweet vanilla.