Blair Athol 12 yo (2006/2019), Hidden Spirits, 51.1%

Introduction

Blair Athol 12-year-old is an exemplary Highland single malt, carefully selected and bottled by the respected independent bottler Hidden Spirits. This 2006 vintage showcases the distinctive character of this historic distillery, known for producing rich, robust whiskies since 1798.

Production Method

• Raw materials: Made from premium Scottish malted barley and the pristine water from the Allt Dour burn, which flows through the distillery grounds
• Distillation process: Crafted using Blair Athol’s traditional copper pot stills, which contribute to its distinctively full-bodied character
• Maturation: Aged for 12 years (2006-2019) in a single ex-bourbon cask, allowing for the development of complex flavors while maintaining the distillery’s signature profile
• Special techniques: Bottled at cask strength (51.1%) without chill filtration or added coloring, preserving all the natural character and intensity

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Rich honeyed malt with ripe orchard fruits, vanilla custard, and subtle spicy oak. Notes of heather honey and hints of beeswax develop with time
• Palate: Full-bodied and complex with layers of sweet malt, caramelized apples, and warm baking spices. The high ABV brings forth notes of orange zest, nutmeg, and a pleasant maltiness characteristic of Blair Athol
• Finish: Long and warming with lingering notes of oak spice, dried fruits, and a subtle thread of highland heather. The bourbon cask influence provides a pleasant vanilla sweetness throughout

Recommended Serving

• Serving temperature: Room temperature (18-21°C) to fully appreciate its complex character
• Glass recommendation: Tulip-shaped whisky glass or Glencairn to concentrate the aromas
• Serving ideas: Best enjoyed neat; a few drops of spring water can be added to open up additional layers of flavor and aroma
• Food pairings: Dark chocolate with sea salt, aged cheeses, or Scottish shortbread complement the whisky’s rich profile beautifully

Product Specifications

• Alcohol content: 51.1% ABV (cask strength)
• Bottle size: 70cl
• Country/Region of origin: Scotland, Highlands
• Certifications/Awards: Selected by Hidden Spirits, a boutique independent bottler known for their discerning cask selection

Summary

A Unique Tasting Experience

This Blair Athol 12-year-old represents a rare window into the true character of this distinguished Highland distillery, captured perfectly by Hidden Spirits’ expert cask selection.

With only a single cask bottled, this release is inherently limited and represents a fleeting opportunity to experience this particular expression of Blair Athol’s craft.

Hidden Spirits has built their reputation on selecting only the most exceptional casks, making this bottling a benchmark expression of Blair Athol’s quality and heritage.

Recognition from Connoisseurs

Discerning whisky enthusiasts consistently seek out Hidden Spirits bottlings for their uncompromising quality and authentic representation of distillery character.

Collectors who have committed to exploring the Hidden Spirits range invariably include their Blair Athol bottlings as essential components of a comprehensive collection.

The independent bottling community regularly acknowledges Hidden Spirits for their transparent approach and their dedication to bottling whisky in its purest form.

From Blair Athol to You

In sharing this exceptional single cask bottling with the world, Hidden Spirits offers whisky enthusiasts a genuine taste of Scotland’s rich distilling tradition.

The approachable yet complex nature of this Blair Athol makes it particularly appealing to both newcomers to single cask expressions and seasoned collectors alike.

By choosing this bottle, you join a community of enthusiasts who value authenticity, craftsmanship, and the unique heritage of Highland whisky production—don’t miss this opportunity to experience a truly distinctive expression from one of Scotland’s historic distilleries.