Aberlour 12 Years Old Sherry Cask Matured

40% ABV,  £33.99 for 1L from World of Whiskies

Score 75/100

What they say:

Aberlour 12 Year Old Sherry Cask Matured is a unique whisky from the prestigious range of Aberlour Single Malts. The distillery has along history of producing outstanding whiskies which have been awarded the coveted gold medal at the International Wine and Spirits Competition.

This single malt has been exclusively matured in Oloroso Sherry Casks. These casks, previously used to mature sherry in southern Spain, are some of the most precious and expensive in use for maturing single malts. Each year, Douglas Cruickshank, our Master Distiller travels to Spain and personally selects the casks which will  contribute so much to the maturation of Aberlour.

During the 12 long years the whisky spends in the cask, the single malt develops a rich and complex taste, an exceptional balance and a beautiful ruby colour, giving birth to an exceptional whisky.

We recommend that you add a dash of water to your dram of Aberlour in order to enjoy the full aromatic strength and complexity of Aberlour 12 Year Old.

Colour:

Amber gold with hints of ruby

Nose:

Sweet and very well-balanced with notes of Sherry and spice

Palate:

Powerful and rich with aromas of honey, red apple, toffee and gingerbread.

Finish:

Remarkably long and warm with hints of cinnamon and ginger.

What I say:

As I was tasting the 11 year old white oak Aberlour I thought I’d  finish a little vertical tasting with the 12 year old. This Sherry cask matured expression is exclusive to the travel retail outlets in the UK, I picked this up from my local World of Whiskies in Edinburgh Airport. Again at just over £30 for 1 litre of Aberlour this appeared to be a good dram per buck ratio.

Colour:

Ruby copper

Nose:

A little rubber, some ginger and orange, musty oak [warehouse?] and Aberlour apple

Taste:

This is like spicy ginger marmalade straight out of the glass, gives way to mellow fresh apple juice not too sweet then the sherry oak mustiness returns [with hints of raisins?]

Finish:

Smooth with a distinct caramel and toffee apple aftertaste

Would I buy it again:

Still drinking this big litre bottle. Saving myself for the Aberlour A’Bunadh next after hearing so much about it. This is a nice dram but sadly for me has all the rubbery musty oaky notes and doesn’t develop the full-on sherry fruit flavours from the 10 year old that I love. If you like your aged whisky a little wooden then this is a must for you as the oak is superbly balanced and not drying in the slightest.