Explore Blair Athol’s range, from the smooth, honeyed 12-year-old to the old and rare bottlings, each expression capturing the essence of Highland whisky.
Enjoy the rich taste of Blair Athol heritage with quick UK and international delivery direct from our Edinburgh store.
Blair Athol is prized for the nutty spice that it adds to Bell's blended whiskies. The malty character of Blair Athol develops a buttery quality, forming a solid base behind a ginger spice, some herbal notes and honeyed nuts. Some editions highlight floral notes in a rather dry style, sometimes with a slightly smoky tinge, but the spirit also works very well with sherry for a sweeter, dried fruit profile.
Founded
1798
Owner
Diageo
Production Status
Operational
Capacity
2,500,000 Litres
The site of Blair Athol distillery is one of the oldest legal whisky producing locations in Scotland, on the outskirts of the major tourist town of Pitlochry. When the distillery was founded, it was named Aldour after the water source for its processing. Unfortunately the distillery didn't last very long, and production was halted until 1825 when the distillery changed ownership as well as being renamed Blair Athol after a local village.
Peter Mackenzie, later founder of Dufftown distillery, eventually took ownership of Blair Athol and added it to the malt portfolio of his blending house. During the economic crisis of the 1930s, Blair Athol shut down once more, and a year later, in 1933, Arthur Bell & Sons bought Mackenzie's blending house and Blair Athol along with it. However, it wasn't until the distillery had been completely rebuilt in 1949 that it was resurrected and became the core of Bell's blended whisky.
Today, Blair Athol plays host to the Bells Experience visitor centre and still acts as a central component of Bell's whisky, under Diageo. However, this crucial role in the blend has resulted in few botlings of Blair Athol being released as a single malt. Most found on the market today are through Diageo's various bottling collections or independent bottlers.
Some Top Bottlings From This Distillery
Blair Athol Distillery is one of Scotland's oldest and historically rich distilleries and is just a short walk from the scenic Pitlochry town centre. This quaint town, with a population of 3000-5000 depending on the tourist season, brings in plenty of whisky enthusiasts.
One of the more popular highland whisky offerings is their 12-year-old Blair Athol Single Malt Whisky, which has a rich, laid-back scent aroma, a tangy fruit-forward flavour and a silky finish.
Blair Athol 1998 25-Year-Old RMW Cask 2780 is a single cask exclusive Royal Mile Whiskies release and is a favourite many whisky blenders enjoy thanks to its sweetness and depth. At Royal Mile Whiskies, we consider Blair Athol Distillery extra special, as it is just around the corner from one of our locations, the Drinkmonger Pitlochry.
Buyers enjoy the mellow ageing from this whisky’s refill cask maturation, leaving a complex and bright taste. The nose is creamy and tangy, consisting of sugared citrus, hearty cereal, and juicy and floral apricots. This melts into a taste of malty stone fruits, fragrant vanilla, rich berries, and fresh cracked black pepper.
A third spotlight falls on the Blair Athol 2011 11-Year-Old Dram Mor. This bottle is an independent release from a single refill bourbon cask. Whisky connoisseurs love the roasted nuttiness that compliments the fermented malt of this whisky. Its scent is floral berries, golden syrup, and a spicy saccharine palate. Its buttery and rich mouthfeel make it a true delight reminiscent of caramel and melted chocolate.
Place Your Order Today
Buy Blair Athol Whisky today to add to your single malt whisky collection. Reach out online today or visit us in-store at any of our locations with your enquiries, and a staff member will be happy to assist you with all of your whisky needs.
Free delivery is available on all UK orders over £100. International shipping is available for select countries worldwide. Check out our delivery page for more information on shipping costs and times.
If you like Blair Athol whisky, you may also enjoy
Highland Whisky: Blair Athol is known for its rich, sherried character, typical of Highland whiskies.
Dalwhinnie Whisky offers a smoother profile that complements Blair Athol whisky’s richness.
GlenDronach Whisky provides a deep, sherried experience that Blair Athol whisky fans will enjoy.