BLAIR ATHOL 8 Year Old 2013 Signatory Vintage, 59.6% ABV

Signatory Vintage is a renowned independent bottler of Scotch whisky, established in 1988 by Andrew Symington. Based in Pitlochry, Scotland, Signatory Vintage is celebrated for its diverse and high-quality selections of single malt and single grain whiskies from various distilleries across Scotland. Each bottling is carefully selected and often comes from single casks, offering unique and limited-edition expressions that appeal to whisky enthusiasts and collectors. Known for its meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality, Signatory Vintage has become a respected name in the world of whisky.

Blair Athol is a historic Scotch whisky distillery located in Pitlochry, Scotland. Established in 1798, it is one of the oldest working distilleries in the country. Blair Athol is known for producing rich and full-bodied single malt whiskies, characterized by their deep, malty flavors with notes of dried fruit, spice, and a hint of peat. The distillery plays a key role in the production of Bell's blended Scotch whisky and offers a range of expressions that highlight its craftsmanship and tradition. Visitors to Blair Athol can enjoy guided tours and tastings, experiencing firsthand the heritage and quality of this distinguished distillery.

The Signatory Vintage Cask Strength Collection celebrates quality malts that best expresses themselves 'as-is' without much bottling shenanigans and processes. This Blair Athol 8 Year old comprises of several barrels blended together and bottled at cask strength, natural colour and non-chill filtered - probably the top 3 factors whisky geeks look out for almost immediately. fruity character of the distillery to express itself, with notes of fresh fruit (apple, pear), cocoa and sweet spices (black pepper and cinnamon). This Single Malt was distilled in 2013 and aged for 8 years in Rechar Hogshead (reconstituted & re-burnt cask). Aromatic profile: powerful, malty, on citrus, typical of Highland whiskeys. Non chill-filtered, without colouring.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Fresh fruit (apple, pear), cocoa, sweet spices (black pepper, cinnamon).

Palate: Fresh and fruity, with notes of vanilla, hazelnut and honey.

Finish: Smooth and balanced, with notes of dried fruit (almond, hazelnut) and toasted coconut.

Key Information

Serving Suggestions
First things first, be comfortable, relaxed and free from distractions. Pour a healthy amount (15-25ml) into a nosing glass (e.g., glencairn) and let it sit for a while. We recommend a minute of resting in the glass for every year in the cask. Otherwise, let it settle down for 5-10 minutes at least.

Help yourself to a 'warm up dram' in the meantime - something simple to open up the palate. When ready, start nosing the spirit, followed by sipping it (noting how it arrives on your palate and its development), and finally the finish. Take your time to get to know the spirit, noting its expression, character, depth, complexity and flavours. These can all change with adding drops of water so play around to find different sides of the spirit and identity a personal sweet spot for yourself!

But always remember, the best way to drink it is the way you like it!