Aberlour-Glenlivet 21 Years Old 1989 Authentic Collection (57.5%, Cadenheads, Bourbon HH, 282 Bottles, 2011)

• Category: Speyside single malt scotch whisky
• Origin: Aberlour Distillery
• Bottling: Wm Cadenhead’s
• ABV: 57.5%
• Cost: £65.50 from Wm Cadenhead’s
• Score 91/100

What they say:

Distilled at Aberlour-Glenlivet in 1989 and aged for 21 years in an ex-bourbon hogshead

Nose:

Light on the nose, hints of gooseberries and abundance of sour green apples.

Palate:

Freshly baked bread and fruity. Green apples still present on the palate.

Finish:

Mild and fruity.

What I say:

During a recent visit to Cadenehead’s whisky shop on the Royal Mile I had the opportunity and financial blessing to raid their cask-end bottlings for a little something as a treat. After the usual chat with the Mark and numerous samples thrust into my palm later I went with my initial instincts and purchased all bar one. Unfortunately despite desperately hoping for something Sherry-matured, the only offering was a little out of my budget. As a massive fan of Aberlou however, this one was a must. I love Aberlour partly for their strong sherry-maturation influence so it is always informative but a little gamble when plucking for pure bourbon-matured expressions…

Colour:

Full gold, highly refractive with strong tears

Nose:

Fruity and perfumed apple blossom, cereal barley malt, roses (sweet), pear/perry/pear cider, Calvados (apple brandy specific to the Calvados region of Normandy)

Taste:

Fresh green apples, Granny Smith and Bramley baking apples, sweet oil-seed rape honey, golden syrup, toffee apples and candy floss, marshmallows, spun sugar, and a little freshly squeezed lemon juice

Finish:

Sweet medium-long, oaky wood and pure apple juice

Would I buy it again:

Pleasantly surprised that bottles of this were still available for sale and at such a great price. I am severely tempted to buy a bigger bottle of this as it is superb in its simplicity.