Gleann Mor Rare Find Blair Athol 12 Year Old

Key Facts About This Single Malt Scotch Bottler: Gleann Mór Spirits Range: Rare Find Distillery: Blair Athol Age: 12 years old Distilled: 2013 Bottled: 2026 Region: Highland Spirit: Single malt scotch Cask Type: Single first fill ex-bourbon barrel Cask Ref: 448 Alcohol by Volume: Cask strength, 56.1% Bottled: Natural colour and without chill filtration Outturn: 205 bottles Bottle Size: 700ml Awards: World Spirits Competition, Gold Medal Blair Athol 12 Year Old Tasting Notes Nose: Buttery shortbread biscuits are laced with golden syrup and are joined by apple turnovers alongside crumbled cashew nuts. Gentle white pepper and split vanilla pods offer a warm complexity. Palate: A syrupy and thick arrival delivers baked apples, pastry cases and a dash of tart lemon juice. The mid-palate offers additional patisserie delights from iced buns and orchard turnovers Finish: Lingering on brown-sugar sprinkled apples with a refined oak influence. About this Gleann Mor Rare Find This Blair Athol 12 Year Old from Gleann Mór Spirits forms part of the acclaimed Rare Find range, showcasing the richness and texture of Highland whisky through the purity of a single first fill ex-bourbon barrel. Distilled in 2013 and bottled in 2026, this single malt matured in cask #448, where first fill bourbon oak has enhanced Blair Athol’s naturally weighty, nutty spirit with layers of vanilla, pastry sweetness, and orchard fruit. Rather than relying on wine or sherry finishes, this release demonstrates just how expressive classic bourbon maturation can be when paired with a robust distillate. Produced by Blair Athol Distillery, the spirit is renowned for its rich mouthfeel and malty character, making it an excellent partner for bourbon oak. The result is a whisky that feels indulgent yet beautifully balanced, with creamy sweetness supported by gentle spice and fresh fruit. The nose opens with buttery shortbread drizzled in golden syrup, followed by warm apple turnovers and crumbled cashew nuts. Split vanilla pods and a gentle dusting of white pepper provide additional depth, creating an inviting and complex aroma. On the palate, the whisky is thick, syrupy, and wonderfully mouthcoating, delivering baked apples, flaky pastry, and a squeeze of tart lemon that lifts the sweeter notes. As it develops, iced buns, orchard turnovers, and creamy vanilla create a distinctly pâtisserie-inspired character that is both rich and elegant. The finish lingers with brown sugar-coated baked apples, soft vanilla, and refined oak spice, leaving a satisfying balance of sweetness and warmth. Bottled at cask strength (56.1% ABV), with natural colour and without chill filtration, this whisky delivers impressive concentration while maintaining excellent drinkability. With an outturn of just 205 bottles, and the added distinction of a Gold Medal at the World Spirits Competition, it is a superb example of well-executed bourbon cask maturation. A rich and comforting Highland malt - packed with pastry, orchard fruit, and creamy vanilla, all wrapped in classic first fill bourbon oak.