Blair Athol 28 Year Old 1976 Samaroli

This Blair Athol has been sitting in the bottle for more than ten years. I scored the sample a little over a year ago. It was distilled in 1976 when I was just a small boy. This Highlander is no less than 28 years old and matured on a sherry cask. In terms of maturation, this is the oldest Blair Athol I have tried so far. It was bottled by the Italian Samaroli for their 35th birthday.

The nose is pleasantly sweet on gooseberries, mocha, rhubarb, raspberries and overripe pineapple. It has a dusty side that really hits the spot. Juicy apples join in. A touch of ginger and soft pepper are the spices on duty. Hint of wood glue. The mocha becomes louder.

It could have done with a little more body, but what it lacks in viscosity is made up for in taste. Loads of spices (again ginger and pepper, but also some liquorice) and quite a bit of fruit. The fruit from the nose returns in full force, but the mocha does the same. The gooseberries, however, take the lead.

The long sweet finish does turn the mouth completely dry at the end.

Very nice Blair Athol, which is no longer to be found, I am afraid. Thanks, Foamy!

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