The Aberlour A’bunadh is a small batch and cask strength version of the Speyside distillery. Fully matured in an Oloroso sherry cask, it’s renowned for being a powerful and very aromatic whisky. The batches follow each other and aren’t always alike…
Nose : It is, let’s say it now, very powerful. The alcohol explodes. A bit of opening will do him great good. We distinguish, in the first place, notes of solvent, varnish, typical of this kind of whisky matured in Oloroso sherry casks. Then come more gourmet notes, cake, spices (cinnamon, turmeric), honey, raisins, red currants and candied oranges. With water, the sweet and gourmet side is even more present.
Mouth : The olfactive power here transforms into a steamroller that sweeps everything on its way. It is way too powerful and pretty poor as is. The solvent notes are prominent, followed by tannic, dry and leather notes which are not really pleasant. The gourmet and fruity side is here, with honey, red currant jam, almonds and candied oranges, but unfortunately it is completely squashed by the whisky’s power. We also perceive a few coffee notes, chocolate and caramel… Unline at nose, water doesn’t do much good. It is still dry and spicy. Too bad!
Finish : Obviously very long and intense, but on wood and spices…
Leave a Reply