Aberlour 12 Year Old Double Cask Matured Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
80 Proof
Price Point: $40 – $50 for 750 ML
Distiller: Aberlour Distillery Company Ltd.
Background
I love me a sherry-finished whisky. Macallan 12 Year Old and Glenmorangie Lasanta are two of the regulars on my shelf. When Aberlour 12 Year Old finally made it into Pennsylvania, and at an affordable price point to boot, I grabbed it off the shelf as quickly as I could. The bottle is stocky with a wide mouth, giving it a style all its own. The dark color suggests a sherry-bomb, which is exactly what I’m hoping for. Let’s see how this goes.
Review
The first thing I notice on the nose is cherries, almost like some of the bourbons I have reviewed (see Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. Barrel Proof and Angel’s Envy). I find that interesting considering there is no partial bourbon barrel maturation in Aberlour 12 Year Old, but rather “traditional oak” maturation. There’s also malt and leather, with sherry playing a very evident role. This is a pleasant nose but not as robust as I’d like it. 40% ABV probably has something to do with that.
Aberlour 12 Year Old has a taste similar to Glenlivet 15 Year Old in that it has a “strawberries and cream” type theme, although this is a seemingly watered-down version. This whisky is drying on the palate, with sherry sweetness balanced by malty leather notes. This is a very tasty and balanced Scotch whisky.
There’s something a little bitter on the finish that I can’t quite put my finger on. It’s nice, nonetheless, with sweet, sherry notes.
Rating & Recommendations
Aberlour 12 Year Old earns a rating of 85 out of 100.
This is a nice whisky at a good price point, but it’s not overly unique or interesting. I’m excited to try its bigger brother – A’bunadh.
-Ryan