Visiting Blair Athol

Travel Distilled’s guide to visiting Blair Athol Distillery in Pitlochry, Perthshire, with a brief history, and what to expect from a visit.

Blair Athol Distillery is one of Scotland’s oldest working distilleries, founded in 1798 and located in Pitlochry, Perthshire. It is renowned for producing a rich, nutty Highland single malt that forms the heart of Bell’s blended Scotch whisky. The distillery offers visitors a welcoming centre, tours, tastings, and a chance to explore its heritage.

Overview

Blair Athol Distillery is a Highland single malt Scotch whisky distillery owned by Diageo. Established in 1798, it has become a cornerstone of Scotland’s whisky tradition. Its spirit is celebrated for its mellow, spiced character, largely due to the pure water source of the Allt Dour burn that flows from the slopes of Ben Vrackie. While Blair Athol is best known as the signature malt in Bell’s blended Scotch, it also produces distinctive single malt releases that have earned a loyal following among whisky enthusiasts.

Location

Blair Athol stands at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands, on the southern edge of Pitlochry in Perthshire. The distillery is set in open moorland at the foothills of the Grampian mountains, with the River Tummel nearby. Its water source, the Allt Dour burn, flows directly through the grounds, providing the mineral-rich water that contributes to the whisky’s smooth finish.

Pitlochry itself is a picturesque town, popular with tourists for its natural beauty, Victorian architecture, and proximity to hiking trails and scenic landscapes. The distillery’s location makes it easily accessible from Edinburgh and Glasgow, both about two hours away by car.

History

Blair Athol was founded in 1798 by John Steward and Robert Robertson under the name “Aldour,” after its water source. However, it closed soon after opening. In 1825, John Robertson revived the distillery under the Blair Athol name. Over the years, it changed hands multiple times, eventually becoming part of Arthur Bell & Sons in the 1930s. Bell’s blended Scotch whisky grew in popularity, and Blair Athol became its signature malt.

The distillery faced challenges during the Great Depression, closing in 1932. It was saved by Arthur Bell & Sons, who rebuilt and reopened it in 1949. Since then, Blair Athol has remained in continuous production, becoming one of Scotland’s most important distilleries. Today, it is owned by Diageo, one of the world’s largest drinks companies, and continues to produce whisky both for blending and as single malt bottlings.

Signature Releases

Blair Athol’s whisky is known for its rich, nutty, and slightly spiced character. Its most famous release is the Blair Athol 12-Year-Old Single Malt, bottled at 43% ABV. This expression is part of Diageo’s Flora & Fauna range and is prized for its full-bodied flavor, with notes of dried fruit, spice, and a malty sweetness.

Other notable releases include:

Distillery Exclusive Bottlings: Limited editions available only at the visitor centre, often showcasing unique cask finishes or higher strengths.

Special Editions: Occasionally, Blair Athol features in Diageo’s annual Special Releases, offering rare and experimental expressions.

Bell’s Blended Scotch Whisky: While not a single malt, Bell’s remains the most widely known product associated with Blair Athol. The distillery’s malt forms the backbone of this blend, giving it depth and character.

Visiting Blair Athol Distillery

Blair Athol is a popular destination for whisky lovers and tourists alike. The distillery welcomes thousands of visitors each year, offering a range of experiences that highlight its heritage and craftsmanship.

Visitor Centre

Blair Athol has a dedicated visitor centre. It includes a whisky shop, tasting rooms, and exhibits about the distillery’s history. Guests can learn about the production process and the role Blair Athol plays in Bell’s blended Scotch.

Cafe and Bar

The distillery features the Mash Tun Bar, where visitors can enjoy drams, cocktails, and mocktails crafted by skilled staff. While it does not have a full restaurant, the bar provides a cozy space to relax and sample whisky in a welcoming environment. The Mash Tun Bar was ingeniously crafted from a redundant mash tun salvaged from Clynelish Distillery. Instead of being scrapped, the vessel was repurposed by Edinburgh-based design consultancy Great Brink into a striking bar. Upcycling heritage equipment into a modern tasting bar is rare in the whisky world, making Blair Athol’s Mash Tun Bar unique.

Touring Blair Athol Distillery

Blair Athol offers guided tours that take visitors through the distillery’s production areas, including the mash house, still house, and warehouses. Tours typically end with a tasting session, allowing guests to sample Blair Athol’s single malt and sometimes exclusive bottlings. Some tours focus on the distillery’s role in Bell’s blended Scotch, while others highlight the single malt heritage. Advanced tastings and premium experiences are also available, offering deeper insights into cask maturation and flavor development.

Practical Information

Address: Blair Athol Distillery, Perth Road, Pitlochry, Perthshire PH16 5LY, Scotland
Phone Number: +44 (0)1796 482003
Website: Malts.com

Blair Athol Distillery offers a blend of history, craftsmanship, and hospitality. Whether you’re drawn by its role in Bell’s blended Scotch or its distinctive single malt releases, a visit provides a memorable glimpse into Scotland’s whisky heritage.

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