Signatory Vintage is an independent Scotch whisky bottler based out of Pertshire, Scotland. The company ambitiously selects barrels from throughout Scotland and bottles them under their own label. Unlike the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, Signatory uses the distillery source as the key describing factor for each bottle. The bottle described today is from the Blair Athol distillery, which is but a stone’s throw from the headquarters of Signatory. Blair Athol mostly contributes to the Diageo brands, but also produces a 12 year single malt.
Many Scotch distilleries don’t produce individual bottlings of their products. Instead, they produce malt whisky for the blends that dominate the global market. This process has evolved to ensure consistency in those brands. The opposite end of the spectrum from the predictability approach is the single barrel release. Signatory recognizes that the distilleries that mostly end up in blends also have some amazing single barrels hidden away. The result is the opportunity to taste uncommon whiskies that wouldn’t usually be put into a bottle at all.
Signatory currently has three main ‘collections’ including 86 Proof, Cask Stength, and Un-Chillfiltered. Their products can be found at specialty liquor stores and online, and present the opportunity to taste rare whisky with very special flavor profiles that someone selected just for you.
On a side note, I let my Dad have some sips, and he wanted to write the review. Here’s what he thought:
“So this whisky is rich, and probably what you need to be in order to procure a bottle. Not exactly smooth, it has a nice kick, partly due to being almost 55 percent alcohol, so you might want an ice cube or two in it like me, because I like my whisky cold. The amazing thing is they had the foresight to distill a whisky like this 30 years ago, so that I could enjoy a glass after a hard day kite-boarding in the Columbia River Gorge. I would also enjoy it on a small cruise ship circumnavigating the island of Iceland, where I’ll be in a month.
Only about 544 bottles were put away, though, so good luck finding one of the remaining bottles that may or may not be in circulation. It’s way better than the Crown Royal at the duty-free shop, and I’m hoping Cameron lets me keep the rest of the bottle. In the meantime I think I”ll have another glass. I’ll leave the stars to him. – Dad” *Edited for clarity.
Tasting Notes: Signatory Vintage Blair Athol 1988 Un-Chillfiltered
Vital Stats: 54.3% ABV, 26 years old, aged in a refill sherry butt. Distilled on October 14th 1988 and bottled on August 17th, 2015. Bottle 135 of 544 from cask number 6844. $180 for 750ml.
Appearance: Dark Amber or rusty orange.
Nose: Initial malty depth reveals the highland Scotch backbone. Sweet and tart cherries with fresh dates. A little bit of butterscotch, along with fruit leather and stone fruits.
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Palate: The high proof gives some initial heat, but it brings structure. The time spent in the barrel adds to the body as well, and you are salivating with the first sip. It’s chewy and almost chalky, but the sherry butt brings incredible flavors. Spices like clove and nutmeg are present, but they only help highlight the dried figs, white chocolate, tree fruit, and banana fosters, all with a cherry on top. A brie-like softness and savory aspect envelope this well-rounded whisky into a very enjoyable drinking experience.
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