Aberlour A’bunadh Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
121.4 Proof
Price Point: $70 – $80 for 750 ML
Distiller: Aberlour Distillery Company Ltd.
Background
Back in July, I reviewed Aberlour 12 Year Old, the smaller (not necessarily younger) brother of today’s review, Aberlour A’bunadh. I’ve been excited to try this one for some time now, as a cask strength, sherry-matured whisky is right up my alley. I found myself intrigued, although a little disappointed, when I tried a similarly categorized whisky – Glenlivet Nádurra Oloroso. It was certainly not a bad whisky, as my review suggested, but it just didn’t live up to my expectations. Let’s see if Aberlour has a different spin on this niche genre.
Review
The nose on A’bunadh is potent, with notes of crushed grapes and whisky-soaked oak. Nosing is a chore, but I keep going back. There’s intense leather and malted barley. This is a nose that doesn’t back down.
In the mouth, A’bunadh presents more leather/sherry notes. The alcohol intensity is mellowed out by the excellent flavor. This is Glenmorangie LaSanta on steroids! There’s no balance, but I’m okay with that. A’bunadh is rich and velvety. It’s intense and one-dimensional, but again that’s okay with me.
The finish is long and memorable. There’s oak, leather, and sherry; excellent.
Rating & Recommendations
Aberlour A’bunadh earns a rating of 89 out of 100.
This is the definition of a “sherry bomb”. A’bunadh is an excellent single malt Scotch whisky that could, and maybe should, be tamed by water (maybe even ice…). This stuff is not for the faint of heart or casual whisky drinker.
-Ryan