October 7, 2015

Aberlour 18 and Aberlour 35

Pernod’s Aberlour is a relatively discreet brand, they don’t seem to do much marketing stunts (or organise too many buzz-catchers). That makes that they’re very well respected within geeky circles, not only because of their impeccable A’bunadh line. Let’s have two of them today…

Aberlour 18 yo (43%, OB, +/- 2013)

Always a favourite in the house, it’s a malt that just pleases everyone, from die-hard freaks to inattentive diners. Colour: deep gold. Nose: very typical, classic fudgy Speyside with much elegance and plenty of herbal teas that keep it complex. Earl grey tea plus fudge and buttered caramel, plus quite some malt, Ovaltine-style, as well as orange zests dipped into milk chocolate. The whole works in sync, which is very pleasing in this context. Mouth: only the lightish strength makes it a notch less satisfying than it could be, but these oranges, chocolate, orange blossom plus all the toffee do work in sync again. Perhaps a tiny touch of rubber in the background, but nothing embarrassing, that just makes it a tad drier, and less syrupy. Finish: medium, even more on toffee and (rather grassy) tea. Comments: very classy, as I remembered it, and a little cognacqy. SGP:451 - 86 points.

Aberlour 35 yo ‘Double Cask Matured’ (43%, OB, batch #1580, 50cl, 2015)

A very rare bottle from a new set of three, named ‘Aberlour Taste of Malt’ (18, 22 and 35 yo) that, I believe, is exclusive to France. Colour: gold. Nose: it’s Aberlour’s flowery/floral side that first comes out, with whiffs of iris and, just like in the 18, orange blossom. Perhaps roses as well, we’re wandering throughout an old garden somewhere in Kent (why not Kent?) In the middle distance, rather oranges and fragrant sultanas and crystallised angelica, and lastly, something delicately muscaty. And perhaps ripe kiwis. It’s very fresh given the age, while the sherry remains shy and classy. Mouth: a coffeeish sherry kicks in, but the oranges also came to the front, together with touches of fennel and aniseed. Certainly blood oranges and mandarins, then white chocolate. Perhaps some pecan pie. Good body despite the lower strength. Finish: medium, fresh, always on oranges and a few anise-like herbs. Celery? A little toffee in the aftertaste. Comments: I love this, and love the fact that they managed to keep it very fresh and perfectly balanced. Graceful, but very hard to find, and most probably expensive. The price of grace! SGP:651 - 91 points.

Check the index of all Aberlour I've tasted so far

Pete McPeat and Jack Washback