This is another Flora & Fauna bottling from Diageo: Blair Athol 12 year. This highland distillery was founded in 1798 and originally called “Aldour”. It closed the same year it opened (lol, not a good sign) but reopened in 1825. They produce 2.5 million liters annually for Bell’s blended whisky. This 12 year is the only aged statement, distillery release they have. It’s copper and gold in the Glencairn with runny legs and big, watery droplets forming around the edge of your spin. It’s bottled at 43% ABV and I believe it is chill filtered and has lots of added color. The nose is sherry, caramel and raisins up front with faint oak and orange peels rounding out the backbone. The palate is very bitter with lots of peppery oak notes. Mid sip you do get some relief in the form of orange marmalade and light sherry sweetness. It’s still slightly abrasive, even for a 43%-er. The finish is somewhat short, with oak and sawdust notes that start out oily but turn rather dry. What starts out very promising doesn’t materialize on the palate. It’s way too harsh with a quick finish that oaky and ultimately dry. The color is borderline ridiculous- it’s almost Dalmore-ish. A clear indicator that too much E150 has been used here. Thanks to my buddy @Generously_Paul for providing this sample, but I’m having a hard time rating this higher than 2.5-3 stars. It checks off another distillery, but I don’t think there’s a reason to look for anything else from these guys. Off to the blends with ye! Cheers.