Aberlour a'bunadh is a unique experience among Scotches . . . cask strength and intensely sherried, rich, deep and complex. There are many wonderful Scotches out there, but this one is something truly special, and in a category of its own.



Packaged in a slightly squat, thick-necked bottle, its color is a deep ruby red in the bottle, and a rich mahogany in the glass.



Depending on presentation, the Aberlour's nose ranges from caramel and apple, to sherry and almonds, to lightly floral . . . in a nosing glass, however, be prepared to let it "breathe" a long time; that 121.2 proof cask strength is no joke and will singe your nostril hairs but good!



Sipped straight, it will make your lips tingle and set your mouth aflame before opening into a rich melange of toffee, smoke, and oak flavors, with an incredibly long sherry finish with hints of licorice and spice.



Mouthfeel is smooth and buttery on the tongue, with spice notes occurring along the sides of the tongue and smoke flavors mostly hitting the back of the throat.



The high proof accommodates a little spring water or a few rocks extremely well, without surrendering complexity or flavor.



As you can see from the images, I tried the full range of tasting experiences, from "wee dram" to Scotch & soda, and the Aberlour a'bunadh was, simply put, astonishing and superb in all of them. Even the most dilute, the Scotch & soda, didn't feel like a sacrilege or a waste . . . in fact, the high proof and intense flavors mean that the first few sips taste like straight Scotch. A wonderful straight Scotch, at that.



I like this one best on the rocks, with just a splash to dilute the proof slightly, but if you're patient enough to let it breathe awhile, it's a fantastic experience neat.



At $68, Aberlour a'bunadh is more expensive than a lot of single malts, but less so than than many other special bottlings, and considered on a proof basis---since most will choose to dilute it, it takes less and lasts longer---works out to be quite competitive.



Highly recommended. If you like sherried Speysides, this one will be a revelation.



NANP™

------------------------------
"We drink because it's what men do."

I've enjoyed Batch 19 and I am always on the look out for more. Great SMS, it'll definelty put hair on your chest!

Great review of one of my favorites. Does change a bit from batch to batch but is always thrilling and wonderful!

------------------------------
Dave

Well, I do find this a high quality drink, and extremely flavorful, but it just does not taste to me of single malt. It tastes rather like a great but very strong cognac. There are times when it has even reminded me more of a strong bourbon! It can be quite overpowering; not a drink for relaxed sipping. I prefer more traditional malts like Royal Lochnagar or Glenfarcas.

Quite possibly the finest Speyside single malt made today. Everything - the color, the aroma, the flavor - is intense and wonderful and all that Scotch was and is.

------------------------------
WTB: Case for #66

Dont disagree with a single comment in this review...highly recommended stuff and one of my favorite single malts!

------------------------------
Chris

Originally Posted by Adair

Well, I do find this a high quality drink, and extremely flavorful, but it just does not taste to me of single malt. It tastes rather like a great but very strong cognac. There are times when it has even reminded me more of a strong bourbon! It can be quite overpowering; not a drink for relaxed sipping. I prefer more traditional malts like Royal Lochnagar or Glenfarcas.

This is a wonderful scotch. The full depth of the sherried malt is only match by the amount of booze strength. This is a traditional malt though. This one is supposed to be what a malt would have been over 100 years ago.

------------------------------
“Know first who you are, and then adorn yourself accordingly.” — Epictetus

“One may become rich, but one is born elegant.” — Balzac

Free Honing for Newbies starting May 15th.