A DUCK WITH PLUMS – Score: 7/10
Today, our attention turns to a bottling from Elixir Distillers, instantly recognisable by its distinctive label depicting a medieval knight. This is a 2011 Blair Athol, aged eleven years, matured in a first-fill bourbon cask and bottled at a formidable 58%.
Elixir Distillers, a London-based independent bottler founded by the Singh brothers, has earned a solid reputation in the whisky world through meticulous cask selection and refined presentation. Their approach blends respect for traditional Scotch heritage with an artistic flair, both in flavour profile and visual identity. Across its various ranges, the company strives to reveal expressions of character—sometimes unexpected, yet always deliberate and skilfully composed.
On the palate, this Blair Athol offers a clear and harmonious richness: savoury peppered meat, a touch of fine leather, robust coffee tones, and the lush sweetness of ripe plums. The finish lingers with a pronounced oakiness—perhaps a touch too dominant—slightly overshadowing the subtler notes.
What makes this profile particularly intriguing is that it stems from bourbon cask maturation, which more often yields flavours of vanilla, coconut, or soft orchard fruits. Here, the influence of the oak has transcended these conventions, producing a whisky that is darker, spicier, and more profound in character. While it may not captivate every palate, it will undoubtedly intrigue those who appreciate a dram that is both forthright and distinctive.
