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Blair Athol 38 Year Old One8Nine Review

Can a 38-year-old Blair Athol rival Scotland's most famous whiskies at a fraction of the price? This limited edition proves it absolutely can.

OVERALL RATING

9
$3,400
  • Phil Dwyer is a freelance whisky writer and consultant with over a decade of experience in whisky retail and online whisky education. Best known for hosting Whisky Wednesday on YouTube, he is dedicated to making whisky accessible and enjoyable by cutting through jargon and complexity.
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Tasting Notes

About:

Distilled at the historic Blair Athol Distillery in Pitlochry, The Eternal Cycle is a 38-year-old single malt bottled at 51.5% ABV. Limited to just 122 bottles worldwide, this Special Edition embodies the enduring harmony of time, tradition, and craftsmanship.

Bottled by the folks at One8Nine, this has recently received a massive score from Serge at WhiskyFun – will ours match up?
Appearance:
Ancient Syrupy Sherry
Nose:
Sherry fudge, hazelnut cream, picked walnuts, orange juice, brown sugar, banana bread, chocolate chips, strawberry syrup, old oak, cherry wood, caramelised plums, sherry syrup, vanilla espresso, cloves, orange oil, Jamaican pot still rum, orange wine, dark chocolate and sherry soaked raisins.
Palate:
Cherry boiled sweets, Coca-Cola syrup, old sherry, blackberries, red apples, an incredible texture – it’s so viscous. Plumb jam, subtle chilli flakes, lemon oil, salt, balsamic vinegar, sherry vinegar, heavily roasted coffee beans, vanilla sugar, cherries soaked in sherry, coffee cream and dark chocolate sponge cake.
Finish:
Gentle old oak, a touch of black pepper, a remarkably long finish that just doesn’t seem to stop. Crème Brule top, sticky molasses, espresso, vanilla pods, bitter wood notes that you’d wind in red vermouth, not unpleasant but very complimentary. Caramelised banana splits, toffee sauce, roasted walnuts and
Comments:
Easily the best old example of Blair Athol that I’ve tried so far. It’s so chewy, rich, decadent, oily and complexly layered with sweet and bitter notes that keep pushing, brooding and swelling around your palate. Easily better than most of the old, more famous Scottish brands with equal, if not bigger price tags.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Phil Dwyer

Phil Dwyer is a freelance whisky writer and consultant. With a decade of experience in whisky retail and nearly as long running Whisky Wednesday on YouTube, Phil is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with fellow whisky lovers. His goal is to make whisky accessible and enjoyable, dispelling the jargon and complexity that can sometimes surround the spirit. In addition to his online presence, Phil managed The Whisky Shop Manchester, where he curated an impressive selection of some of the finest drams available.

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