Infrequent Flyers Blair Athol 14 years

Score: 75

Infrequent Flyers Blair Athol 2008 14 Year Old was a revelation in our Champion of Champions 2023 tasting, clinching second place and earning serious respect across the board. Bottled by Alistair Walker Whisky Company, this single cask Highland malt was matured in a Pedro Ximénez sherry puncheon (cask #807413) and bottled at a robust 53% ABV. From the first nosing, it was clear this dram had depth and elegance. The nose was rich and evocative: Christmas pudding, dried vine fruits, and a touch of hot chocolate, with hints of plum, orange peel, and sage adding complexity. On the palate, it delivered sticky dates, cinder toffee, and Black Forest gateaux, with a subtle liquorice twist and a warming peppery spice that built with each sip. The finish was long and treacly, with cocoa, fruit seeds, and a touch of wormwood that gave it a bittersweet edge. What made it shine wasn’t just the cask strength or the PX richness, it was the balance. It danced between sweet and savory, bold and refined, and left many wondering if it had just missed the top spot by a hair. A bottle that proved Blair Athol, often overlooked, can deliver knockout single cask experiences when given the right treatment. In a lineup full of heavy hitters, this one stood tall and earned its place in club legend.