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Blair Athol Small Batch 1997 19 Years Single Malt Whisky

Blair Athol 1997 CA

Blair Athol

Highlands · United Kingdom

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Whisky Information

Age
19 years
ABV
54.5%
Volume
700 ml
Category
Single Malt Whisky
Distillery
Blair Athol
Distillation Year
1997
Bottling Year
2016
Cask Types
Bourbon Hogsheads

Price

Latest market prices from domestic and international sources

Recent history

Lowest Price:£58.14(2026-04-22)

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In just the past 5 years, visitor numbers to Scotch whisky distilleries have nearly doubled. In 2018, approximately 2 million people visited distilleries to learn more about Scotch whisky. One might think that reputation and proximity to main roads are prerequisites for attracting large numbers of visitors, but this is not the case. Among the 5 distilleries most popular with visitors, 3 are on islands—Arran, Skye, and Harris. Perhaps most surprising is Harris distillery on the remote Outer Hebrides, which attracted over 90,000 visitors in 2018, and this was only its third year of operation! Blair Athol Distillery, meanwhile, has consistently benefited from traffic on the A9 highway heading north from Edinburgh to the Highlands. The distillery is the most visited of all Diageo distilleries, receiving 89,000 visitors in 2018. In the past year, the distillery has also developed a new feature: converting a disused Clynelish mashtun into a whisky tasting bar! Blair Athol is the spiritual home of Bell's blended whisky. The connection was established in 1896 when Bell was just starting out, and this relationship became even closer when Bell purchased the distillery in 1933. Arthur Bell & Sons, the creators of the Bell's brand, remained an independent family business far longer than most Scottish traditional family enterprises, only being acquired by Guinness in 1985 before merging into Diageo Group. The distillery's equipment includes an 8.2-ton semi-lauter mashtun, 6 stainless steel washbacks, and 2 stills. Most of the spirit produced for Bell's matures in bourbon casks, with the remainder in sherry casks. Over the past few years, the distillery has operated 5 days a week, producing 12 mashes weekly, which translates to approximately 2 million liters of new make spirit. Blair Athol also employs both short (46 hours) and long (104 hours) fermentation times. Due to the incorporation of a cloudy wort, the new make spirit carries distinct nutty and malty flavors. The only official regular bottling is a 12-year-old expression in the Flora & Fauna series. Additionally, in autumn 2017, a 23-year-old expression matured in European oak sherry casks was released as part of Diageo's Special Releases series.
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Flavor Profile

VanillaVanilla
CoconutCoconut
HoneyHoney
AlmondAlmond
CreamCream
CaramelCaramel
LeatherLeather
Dark ChocolateDark Chocolate
NutsNuts

Tasting Notes & Reviews

1-5 of 21 notes Log in to rate
Whiskyspace Notes 2365

Whiskyspace Notes 2365

Jul 7, 2026, 02:37:49

Sipping it feels like a sudden burst of lemon‑scented breeze, then a sharp, shocked bite of Timut pepper that snaps up the tongue. There's a gentle hint of maple syrup, almost like a sweet whisper, underlined by crisp, crystalline citrus. A dash of mint and a pinch of Thai basil toss in a fresh, green note, while a faint echo of gooseberries lingers at the end. It’s almost a little like a brisk walk through an orchard after a bite of creamy mash, but with the crisp edge of a chilled pint. 🍹

Whiskyspace Notes 2299

Whiskyspace Notes 2299

Jul 5, 2026, 02:42:55

Just had a dram and it hit me like a lick of lemon juice and a sprig of Thai basil‑the sort of fresh, minty snap you get from a garden after rain. There’s this subtle green plum bite that sits next to a faint, almost chalky, lemony lace – think lemon drizzle on mashed potatoes, a little weird but oddly right. A whisper of Timut pepper and a dash of grass juice adds a shock‑wave of spice that’s totally millimetric, then the sweetish edge of maple‑like honey slides in. Gooseberries and a splash of white wine give it a crisp, crystalline finish, while a hint of grapefruit and a tease of chillies keep the contrast lively. All in all, a medium‑bodied, superbly balanced sip that makes me grin like I’ve just found the nicest BAs in the pantry. 😋

Whiskyspace Notes 2052

Whiskyspace Notes 2052

Jun 26, 2026, 03:17:14

Crystalline and chalky at first, like a clean river stone, then a tad sweetish kick from maple syrup and lemon juice. Thai basil and coriander dance with a whiff of white wine, while grapefruits and gooseberries give it a sharp zing. Timut pepper and chillies sneak in, not overwhelming but definitely there, like a sneaky curry leaf in a dessert. The contrast between the herbal, spicy, and citrus bits is proper brilliant, and the vatting of casks gives it this smooth, mellow depth. It’s like sipping a summer garden party in a glass – splendid muddy earthiness under the nicest BAs, with a finish that’s both shocking and spot on. Perfect simplicity, really.

Whiskyspace Notes 1949

Whiskyspace Notes 1949

Jun 24, 2026, 06:47:27

First sip hits with this bright lemon and grapefruit zing, proper citric punch 🍋. There's a minty freshness too, like a hint of basil and lemongrass in the background. The body's medium, not too heavy, and it's got this weird but brilliant contrast—like mashed potatoes and grass juice dancing together, somehow. The Timut pepper and chilies sneak up with a gentle warmth, not overpowering, just enough to make you sit up. Sweetish undertones from green plums and gooseberries, balanced by a crisp white wine vibe. It’s got that "vatting of casks" complexity but stays relatively simple, you know? Like, the oak’s there but doesn’t shout. The finish is splendid and muddy, earthy but clean. Funny how the "perfect simplicity" works with all those herbal and spicy layers. Reminds me of a Thai basil leaf wrapped around a grapefruit seed. Shockingly drinkable, though—wouldn’t say no to another dram. 🌿

Whiskyspace Notes 1781

Whiskyspace Notes 1781

Jun 23, 2026, 12:24:29

First sip’s a bit shocking—like a mix of Thai basil and mint, then this zingy citrus kick, almost grapefruity. Bit chalky at first, but then it smooths out with a hint of maple syrup sweetness. Gooseberries and a touch of chilli heat linger, proper interesting contrast. Simple but splendid, like mashed potatoes with a fancy twist 😄

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