A Duo From the Highlands

Top: The Blair Athol 12 (Flora and Fauna Series), Bottom: The Clynelish 14

Quite honestly, I have not really given the Highland and Lowland Malts enough airtime, so I believe the time is right to start exploring whiskies from these two regions. Yesterday I had the opportunity to sample two whiskies from the Highlands, and from two brands that one does not see too often here in Singapore: The Blair Athol 12 Flora and Fauna series and the Clynelish 14. 

Name: Blair Athol 12 Flora and Fauna Series
Distillery: Blair Athol
Region: Highlands
Age Statement: 12 Years
Type: Single Malt
Alc/Vol: 43%

The Blair Athol distillery is a very old one, dating back to the end of the 18th century. However, it's fame comes from being one of the main constituent whiskies in the hugely popular Bell's blend of whisky in the UK. Now owned by Diageo, this bottling was released under the Flora and Fauna series, which are expressions from numerous distilleries that Diageo owns. The Blair Athol 12 Year Old Flora and Fauna is pleasant, a very classic Highland malt with a nice balance of rich caramel and creaminess and floral and fruity notes.

Nose: Lovely caramel, toffee and light peppery notes, mixed with a lovely floral fragrance and the sweetness of fruits like grapes (maybe even dried grapes like raisins and sultanas?). 

Taste/Palate: Very pleasant mouthfeel and rather medium bodied with a oily mouthfeel. Fruity sweetness is well matched with the pleasant caramel and toffee notes. Hints of oak and spice with a light bitterness.

Finish: Floral and fruity notes bring up the rear with tastes of berries and Hibiscus

Overall: Nice classic Highland malt, definitely a good introduction to this type of whisky 87/100

Found at: The Auld Alliance

Name: Clynelish 14 Years Old
Distillery: Clynelish
Region: Highland
Age Statement: 14 Years
Type: Single Malt
Alc/Vol: 46%

Clynelish distillery is also a Highland malt, but reflects its more maritime characteristics on this bottling at least. More of a coastal highland distillery, Clynelish is the new distillery that takes over the Brora distillery. This whisky too has quite a strong following and has garnered very good reviews from reputable whisky writers around the globe. 

Comparative to the Blair Athol, this dram had a more spicy and malted barley edge to it. But it was also very enjoyable to try

Nose: Spicy and peppery with hints of cinnamon. Light hints of citrus fruit and honey but it is the sweetness of the barley that takes centre stage.

Taste/Palate: The 46% strength is very evident here as it is quite full bodied and packed with flavour in the mouth. Sweet malted barley with the slightest hint of honey, liquorice and some citrus. Robust flavours all around.

Finish: Very malty finish with light fruit flavours of apples.

Overall: A very flavourful dram which is nice and robust but not overwhelming 88/100

Found At: The Auld Alliance