ESTABLISHED: 1798
REGION: Highland, Scotland
Pitlochry, the charming town that Blair Athol calls home, is a destination in its own right. Nestled amidst rolling hills and lush landscapes, Pitlochry offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. The town’s Victorian architecture, quaint shops, and inviting cafes make it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll before or after your distillery visit.
One of the highlights of Pitlochry is the Edradour Burn, a serene stream that flows through the town and adds to its picturesque charm. The natural beauty of the area is truly captivating, and it’s easy to see why this location was chosen for a distillery with such a storied past.
Nestled in the heart of Pitlochry, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Scottish Highlands, lies the enchanting Blair Athol Distillery. As a passionate whisky enthusiast, I’ve always been drawn to places where history, craftsmanship, and natural beauty converge—and Blair Athol is precisely that.
A Storied Past
Blair Athol’s history is as rich and complex as the whiskies it produces. Founded in 1798 by John Stewart and Robert Robertson, the distillery originally operated under the name “Aldour,” after the nearby Allt Dour Burn. However, like many of Scotland’s early distilleries, it faced numerous challenges, including fluctuating demand and economic hardships.
In 1825, the distillery was renamed Blair Athol after the local region, and it began to carve out its place in the whisky world. Over the centuries, it has weathered the storms of the whisky industry, including closures and ownership changes, but its commitment to quality has never wavered. Today, Blair Athol stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Scotch whisky, producing some of the finest single malts in the Highlands.
My visit to Blair Athol was made even more memorable by the Allt Dour Tour (£55), an immersive experience that offers a rare glimpse behind the scenes of this historic distillery. The tour begins with a warm welcome from the knowledgeable host Andrew, who is as passionate about Blair Athol’s history as they are about its whisky.
Walking through the distillery, I was struck by the timeless craftsmanship evident in every detail. From the traditional stone buildings to the gleaming copper stills, Blair Athol’s dedication to preserving its heritage is clear. The tour takes you through each stage of the whisky-making process, from the milling of the malted barley to the fermentation and distillation.
One of the highlights of the tour was visiting the warehouse, where rows upon rows of oak casks lay aging, each one holding the promise of future whisky. And of course the tasting of 6 delicious drams including the cask strength 1995 cask. I will save the review of these whiskies in the next post.
If you ever find yourself in the Scottish Highlands, I highly recommend taking the Allt Dour Tour at Blair Athol Distillery. It is an experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the magic that goes into every bottle of Scotch whisky.
Tan Tran
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