Aberlour 12 Year Old - 70cl/40%

Distillery History:
Aberlour sits on the Lour burn in Speyside. James Fleming rebuilt the site and began commercial distillation in 1879. Water comes from Ben Rinnes springs; the barley is unpeated. A slow distillation and long copper contact favour fruit. Sherry wood is the house signature; A’Bunadh is the cask-strength sherry flagship. Now under Chivas Brothers, Pernod Ricard. The 12-year Double Cask is the entry core bottle.

Whisky Introduction:
At least twelve years in American oak bourbon barrels and Oloroso sherry butts, then married. Bourbon brings vanilla and citrus; Oloroso dried fruit and nuts. Bottled at 40%, chill-filtered and coloured, built to drink easily. Lighter than the 48% non-chill-filtered 12-year-old; less sherried than the 18-year Double Sherry Cask Finish, and not a finish. Gold at the 2024 ISC.

Tasting Notes:
Nosing: Golden honey, pear and vanilla toffee.
Palate: Orange, red apple, liquorice and almond.
Finish: Smooth and sweet, with a hint of spice.