Whisky: Blair Athol 13 Year (2009), Douglas Laing Cask DL16767 for K&L

Country/Region: Scotland/Highland

ABV: 55.5%

Cask: 2nd Fill Bourbon Barrel

Age: 13 Years (Distilled March 2009, Bottled Oct. 2022)

Nose: Fruit and chalk with a touch of wax, youthful and spirited, subtle fresh mint and tobacco leaf, licorice and dried lemon peel, grassy sugars, and hints of florals lent a fresh quality to the background.

Palate: Medium-bodied, orange and lemon peel candies with hints of honey, mint, and lemon grass; herbal toward the end with a rising bitterness— bitter orange and oak; teases of citrus oil and wax developed with time as peppercorns and a hint of musk or orris.

Finish: Medium-length; spirited and peppery with gentle citrusy candies.

Score: 5 (76)

Mental Image: Jelly Bean Plundering

Narrative & Notes: A lovely palate cleanser with a bright, refreshing aroma and a sweet, citrusy palate. Youthful and spirited on the nose, there was little unpleasantness to the peppery heat that appeared on the palate or lingered on the finish. Generally an enjoyable whisky, though I found it took a bitter turn toward the end— a bitterness that did not match well with the rest of the flavors.  A few drops of water toned that down but also washed out some of the nice floral and waxy complexity that otherwise developed after a few sips.

Overall, pleasant enough, especially for a $60-70 single malt. I have had plenty that were more expensive and less enjoyable to sip on. I thought this really shined in a strong highball with an additional twist of lemon or lime.

Image Credit: Whiskybase