Aberlour 18 Year Double Cask Matured

ABERLOUR CONFRONTATION Aberlour 16 Aberlour 18 I'm continuing to sample whiskies from my collection that I haven't yet written about. I previously penned a short review of the Aberlour 18 over a year ago, making it fitting to evaluate it alongside its younger counterpart. I had the 12-year-old expression, and wanted to include it, but it was finished some time ago. I considered adding a couple of Aberlour A'Bunadh bottles, but since they are cask-strength, they don't quite fit with these and are better reviewed independently. Aberlour describes these whiskies as "double cask matured," starting in American oak barrels and finishing in sherry oak casks. Aberlour 16 Clear sherry-tinged mahogany color; Pantone 153. The nose is somewhat subdued, particularly when contrasted with the 18-year, but still exhibits Luxardo cherries, chocolate, nutmeg, and a cool spearmint sensation. The palate offers some toffee and orange bitters, leading to a mild spice from the low alcohol content, and a touch of espresso bitterness on the short to medium finish. I acquired this, my sole bottle of the 16, along with the 12, because I was very fond of the cask-strength A'Bunadh and already appreciated the 18. To be honest, when I bought them, I didn't realize that both the 12-year and 16-year were bottled at a mere 40% ABV. I've expressed my disapproval in multiple reviews regarding the emphasis on profit that this minimal ABV signifies. The 16-year-old can be found for approximately $120, making it pricey for a 40% ABV spirit. It's a sweet and easy-drinking example of a decent sherry-casked whisky. Would I purchase it again? No. 3.5 score, considering the poor value. 40% ABV. Batch AB16-1-19 Aberlour 18 Color almost identical to the 16-year, despite an additional two years of maturation; Pantone 153. The nose is more robust and complex than the 16: molasses, toffee, orange bitters, dark butterscotch, and mulled cider. The palate is significantly more developed than the 16-year, with more intense burnt orange and toffee notes, plus some sweet molasses found on the nose. The finish presents a pleasant espresso bitterness, similar to the 16, but more pronounced. The higher ABV is noticeable. The 18 can be found for around $200. Would I buy it again? Yes, if cost wasn't a concern. 4.25 score. 43% ABV. Unlike the 16-year, there's no batch number; this is an older bottle with the previous label, which didn't include batch identifiers. It's uncertain if newer bottlings have batch numbers. Compared to the 16-year-old, I would guess that the 18-year-old's increased ABV contributes as much, if not more, than the extra two years of aging (which isn't substantial in the cool and damp Scotch whisky maturation environment). This then raises the question of why a 16-year would have the same 40% ABV as the 12-year, positioned between the 12 and the 18. For most age-stated Scotch whiskies, a 10- or 12-year represents the entry-level offering. A bottling with 16 years of age is closer to 18 years than 12. Why offer the 16 at the same 40% ABV as the entry-level 12? Or, why offer (hypothetically) a 16-year-old at the same 43% ABV as the 18? Neither makes logical sense from a brand perspective. Note: All spirits were sampled neat in a Glencairn glass.

The Aberlour 12 was adequate. The 16 was quite good, though calling it excellent would be an exaggeration. Here's to hoping an additional two years in the barrel can elevate the Aberlour spirit. Nose: Abundant perfume. Plum, fig, date, and raisin. Jelly. Cranberry and raspberry. Cola. Deep red tones. Red apple and apricot. Orange zest. Caramel and butterscotch. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. Mostly tart, but with some tingling spice notes toward the end. Strong oak presence, as expected from an 18-year-old. Olorosso-forward. Appealing. Palate: Honeydew immediately apparent. Orange zest. Golden raisin, cranberry, and raspberry. Apple, pear, and apricot. Brown sugar, caramel, and butterscotch. Vanilla and milk chocolate. Sweetness reminiscent of carrot cake. And considerable oak. A pleasant equilibrium between Olorosso and Bourbon cask influence. Finish: Almond and chestnut. Pumpkin spice. Cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and allspice. Oak-induced bitterness. Medium duration. And there it is. I've finally discovered the ideal Aberlour formula. The 18-year-old it is. This bottling possesses the richness, depth, and appropriate cask influence to fully showcase Aberlour's distillate potential. A masterful execution. Now, regarding value for money. This one delivers. I won't list the numerous 18-year-old Scottish single malts, as, frankly, there are many. I will state, however, that this is among the more affordable options available in this category. And it stands up to the finest of them. 4.5/5--To answer my initial query, the 18-year-old represents the sweet spot for Aberlour.

A pricey but dependable everyday malt. While less expensive options exist for celebrating the end of a hard day's work, this offers a delightful, warm, vanilla-honey, sweet, full-bodied bourbon/sherry cask character. My recent focus on quality over quantity explains my willingness to spend more on daily drams. This is a consistently fine whisky, a significant improvement over the 12-year expression. It rightly earns an average 90 score from various ratings, including official spirit challenges and online reviewers. The initial impact is velvety rich, lingering like liquid gloss, reminiscent of a companion who knows precisely when to depart, leaving a perfect sensation and creating anticipation for the next encounter while confirming the present moment's value. It's truly memorable and a staple in my collection. Honestly, its price is justified. Remember, don't reserve this for special occasions. It's far more sophisticated yet perfectly suited for everyday enjoyment. Consider this your go-to for a daily malt, and you'll be a well-rounded, cultured whisky connoisseur.

I've had this bottle for some time and am halfway through it. It's time for a proper tasting. I previously tried the 12 year and was pleasantly surprised, so I acquired the 18 year, which comes in a 500ml bottle. The nose is very sherry-forward yet also possesses a savory quality. Truly delightful, rich, deep, and intense. Dried apricots and citrus. Natural orange lemonade. Some intriguing spice notes as well (fresh black pepper, anise, cloves). Simply magnificent and not excessively sweet. Pepper and oaky wood immediately apparent. Then some deep spiced dried fruits, a touch of nuts, and whole grain cereals. A slight warmth. Very mature tannins and an amazing cask profile. Quite unique. Later, sour red fruit juice. This is a serious whisky. Very potent and intense. And exceptionally delicious and complex. Highly recommended. In my opinion, one of the best sherry whiskies available if you desire something robust and not overly sweet.

Appearance: amber +2, high viscosity. Nose: Gentle aromas with notes of raisins, apricots, plums, tangerine, orange peels, honey, vanilla, toffee, rum cake, licorice, cotton candy. Palate: A beautiful spicy arrival, full, rich, oily, sweet (toffee, vanilla cake, milk chocolate, honey), fruity (dried fruits, red berries, plums, apricots, tangerines, sultanas), crème brûlée, licorice, rum cake, wet oak, malt. Finish: A pleasant, long finish with a sweet-oaky-malt aftertaste (delicious!). Overall: I have a conflict with this one. Why? Because it's not an integrity malt (43% ABV, non-natural color, chill filtered) – none of my essential criteria are met here. BUT it is so balanced, elegant, and delicious. So, if you have the opportunity, try it because it's worth it, but don't overpay; do your research.

Aroma: orange, mandarin, sherry, with subtle vanilla and toffee notes. Taste: sherry, raisins, orange peel, toffee. Finish: sherry, plums, and toffee. A superb whisky that enchants with its perfection and character: the 43% ABV is, in my opinion, ideal. I can't find a single discordant note. Excellent. Rating 4.75