Blair Athol 2008 A Total Wowser! Cask No. 68.78 (SMWS)

Review #037 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 60.8% Details: aged 13 years, nine in ex-bourbon, then moved to a custom first-fill barrique (70/30 American/European oak with toasted heads) Tasted after: Single Malt Scotch 1996 Fruit Utopia Batch 17 (SMWS) Appearance (no score): Tawny hue. Couldn't check for legs due to what seemed like a water-repellent coating on the tasting glass. Nose: 18/20 Butterscotch pudding, gingerbread, vanilla, overripe bananas, and ripe plums. Palate: 30/40 Bourbon, cinnamon, mulling spices, dark chocolate, and a touch of maple. It resists swirling, developing a bitter taste within a few seconds. Finish: 32/30 Lingering finish. Starts with chili pepper heat, then gradually sweetens. As the heat subsides, notes of molasses and more dark chocolate emerge, evolving into brown sugar by the end. With Water: A drop of water barely alters the palate but introduces a sweet and savory meat note to the finish, resembling summer sausage. Total: 79/100 Final thoughts: The aroma is clearly the highlight of this drink. While nothing is objectionable, I wish the palate and finish were as impressive; the bitterness on the palate was quite off-putting. My brother provided the sample. Price: gifted sample Would recommend: no Would buy: no Scoring Legend: 96-100: The perfect dram, absolutely exceptional, nectar of the gods, I will savor this bottle and make it last, 5 stars. 90-95: Near perfect, there is something truly special about this whisky, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to amazing, almost the complete product, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable to drink, but doesn’t wow me, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but ultimately flawed, unlikely to purchase again, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid dram, but wouldn't go out of my way to get it, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Suitable for cooking or direct contribution to the kitchen sink drain, 2.5 stars or less.