Aberlour 18 Year Old

Whisky Review

• ABV: 43%
• Age: 18 Years Old
• Bottling: OB
• Category: Speyside single malt scotch whisky
• Cost: £133
• Origin: Aberlour distillery
• Vintage: undeclared

What they say

The mature, deep, spicy one: a deeper Sherry influence adds more spiciness and a liquorice tang. Greater age adds body and develops the distinctive fruitiness to a rich raisin character.

Official tasting notes:

• Colour Auburn gold
• Nose Rich and complex notes of toffee and butterscotch combine with ripe peach and bitter orange
• Palate Perfect structure. Initial notes of soft apricot and cream are offset by developing flavours of blackcurrant jam and sweet oak with a touch of honey
• Finish Very long and balanced, progresses from crème brûlée to a gentle oak flourish

What I say

The oldest Age Statement in Aberlour’s range of Double Cask whiskies is this 18 year old expression.

My tasting notes:

• Appearance: Dark copper bronze (14/20), quick, medium tears and ultrafine legs.
• Nose: Dried fruit raisins, suede leather, apple must, toffee, chocolate orange, malty, Soreen malt loaf, apple and pear drop boiled sweets.
• Taste: Medium-bodied, rich red and dark fruits, raisin, apple, cherry, blackcurrant, apricot, date, vanilla, creamy butterscotch, honey and polished oak wood.
• Finish: Long, dried fruit, raisin, leather and old polished oak.

Overall

Much more dried fruit and sherry influence in the 18 year old expression as compared to the Aberlour Triple Cask I sampled in this little duet. Still quite fresh and zesty polish and pear drop distillate character and masses of apples join much of the sherry-derived darker fruits.

Score 88/100

Available from Master of Malt and The Whisky Exchange

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