Aberlour A'bunadh

ABERLOUR A’BUNADH SHOWDOWN Aberlour A’Bunadh Batch 56 Aberlour A’Bunadh Batch 64 I'm continuing to try whiskies from my collection that I haven't yet reviewed. I did review an A’Bunadh batch of unknown number on December 14, 2019. Is there a more potent “sherry bomb?” I've been a massive A’Bunadh enthusiast since my first taste, and I've finished several bottles and batches; these are the final two in my inventory—in fact, the Batch 56 bottle was finished for this review. Only one left! Aberlour A’Bunadh Batch 56 Color is a clear, deep, red-tinged mahogany, most similar to Pantone 160. Sweet Jesus! Full-on, sherry-influenced aroma: molasses, tangy barbecue sauce, raisins, chocolate-covered cherries, Chinese five-spice, copper, pecan pie, pralines, and vanilla extract. The ethanol is practically undetectable on the nose—at 122.4 proof. The palate assaults you with heaps of sugar, both brown and caramelized, and just a little thickness. The ethanol makes its presence known as it moves to the finish, but it gently announces itself rather than forcefully intruding as one might anticipate. There is a subtle (and welcome) bitterness consistent with the caramelized sugar on the finish, lingering vanilla, and a petrol note. Deep, robust flavors and high proof: what's not to enjoy? The current release of Aberlour A’Bunadh—I'm uncertain of the batch number—typically sells for a little over $100. Would I purchase it again? Yes. 4.75 out of 5 points. 61.2% ABV. NAS. Batch 56. Non-chill filtered. Aberlour A’Bunadh Batch 64 Color is almost identical to Batch 56; Pantone 160. Quite a different aroma, however: it's less pronounced, and there's a dusty quality initially, alongside cocoa powder, grape-jelly reduction (this is a personal impression, but it's richer than common Smucker's jelly), neatsfoot-oiled leather, dried orange, and clove. The palate is more flavorful, but it lacks the intensity of Batch 56; Some peppery spice on the finish; the dried orange from the aroma returns, along with drying leather. Batch 64 is not comparable to Batch 56; it's missing that intensity and complexity, but it's still delightful. Would I purchase it again? Yes. Without reservation. Regardless of the release, Aberlour A’Bunadh is essential for any serious whisk(e)y collector's selection. 4.0 out of 5 points. 59.9% ABV. NAS. Batch 64. Non-chill filtered. I would appreciate more transparency from Aberlour regarding its A’Bunadh product. There's no age statement, but what's the downside in revealing this information for each batch? It won't deter its many devoted fans from purchasing it; in fact, increased openness would have the opposite effect. What about the types of sherry casks used? Are they Oloroso? PX? A combination? And then there's the matter of coloring: the label states that their methods ensure “a dark, luxurious and rich whisky” (incidentally: why no Oxford comma?). But they do not explicitly confirm the absence of added coloring, and at least one website indicates that coloring is added to the 10-year and 18-year Aberlour expressions (coloring must be declared on European labels, apparently). Aberlour A’Bunadh is one of those spirits that will draw a whisky aficionado into its orbit, compelling them to acquire every single release—for the sake of science and objective analysis, naturally. The subtle variations between batches must be uncovered! The challenge is—similar to the quarterly releases of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof or its distillery relative, Larceny Barrel Proof—it can be demanding to keep up with each release due to the high alcohol content and numerous other whiskies vying for your attention (I understand this firsthand with ECBP, but that hasn't deterred me). Note: All spirits were tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

Deep, rich red-tinged mahogany color. The nose is intensely sherry-influenced, featuring molasses, tangy barbecue sauce, raisins, chocolate-covered cherries, Chinese five-spice, copper, pecan pie, pralines, and vanilla extract. The ethanol is barely perceptible on the nose, even at a high proof. The palate is loaded with sugar, both brown and caramelized, and has a slight viscosity. The ethanol becomes noticeable as it moves to the finish, but it's a gentle introduction. The finish has a subtle, appreciated bitterness from the caramelized sugar, lingering vanilla, and a petrol note. Rich, deep flavors and high proof: a winning combination. I would purchase this again. A must-have for any serious whisky enthusiast's collection, regardless of the specific release. I would like to see more transparency from the producer regarding the sherry butt types and coloring. The batch-to-batch variations can be fascinating, drawing enthusiasts into a deep dive of empirical analysis, though keeping up with each release can be challenging given the high alcohol content and the multitude of other spirits demanding attention. Nose: molasses, tangy barbecue sauce, raisins, chocolate-covered cherries, Chinese five-spice, copper, pecan pie, pralines, vanilla extract Palate: brown sugar, caramelized sugar, slight viscosity Finish: subtle bitterness, lingering vanilla, petrol note Color: deep, red-tinged mahogany Batch 64 Aroma: dusty, cocoa powder, grape-jelly reduction, neatsfoot-oiled leather, dried orange, clove Batch 64 Palate: flavorful but less intense than Batch 56, peppercorn spice, dried orange, drying leather Batch 64 is not comparable to Batch 56 in intensity and complexity, but it is still delicious. I would definitely buy it again.

Appearance (no score): Auburn color. Swirling reveals a thin line sticking to the side of the glass, begins to bead quickly but legs are slow to form. Nose: 16/20 Raisins, milk chocolate, nuts, raspberries still on the vine (subtle aroma, a bit sweet, but grassy and floral also), and a hint of an earthy, oaky aroma lingering in the back. Palate: 34/40 I’m never prepared for how hot this one hits, you can taste all of the 122.4 proof. My taste buds acclimate after a couple sips though, and I first notice bitter oak tannins and leather. It’s subtly sweet also, and a few more sips starts to reveal plumbs, red berry fruitiness (can’t quite pinpoint a specific type), and dark chocolate. Finish: 32/40 Medium length. Big tobacco notes to start with, then it becomes almost harshly bitter for a moment and I can’t help but think of grappa here. The bitter flavor subsides slightly but carries forward with lemon and orange peel. Ends on a mildly salty note with a subtle earthy flavor lingering in the background throughout. With Water: A few drops of water bring out sweet caramel notes on the nose. The sherry bomb explodes on the next sip now, way sweeter! Juicy honeycrisp apples and red currants on the palate. The bitterness of the finish has been significantly reduced, replaced by a honey sweetness. The semi-bitter citrus is still here but now leaving behind a semi-sweet chocolate flavor on the end. Total: 82/100 Final thoughts: This is a whisky that doesn’t just love water, it needs water. I went back and re-scored every category adding points after adding four drops. For me that was when it really started opening up as I wasn’t getting a ton of sherry influence prior. It’s too bad the finish isn’t longer, but overall this is a yummy one! Price: $77 Would recommend: yes Would buy: yes

While the Oloroso sherry butts from past times were superior, Aberlour A'bunadh remains a quite good drink, defying the critics. Beautiful hints of strawberries, cherries, and toasted almonds appear from the glass, complemented by mint chocolate, walnut cake, and dried herbs. It's strong and zesty, with stewed fruits, ginger, and eucalyptus on the palate. It adapts well and benefits from a splash of water. Mon Chéri, coffee, and balanced oak recede in the lengthy conclusion. It might not match its former glory, but I'm not at all let down. RATING: 3.9/5.0 stars ≙ 86 pts → FIRST-CLASS [-]

Reminiscent of a luxurious holiday fruitcake steeped in sherry rather than rum, with roasted fruits baked in! The aroma and palate are in perfect harmony, with subtle banana and very ripe stone fruits. A gentle wood note suggests a decent age. The finish is lengthy, initially indicating a younger spirit, but a few drops of water reveal its true age and unleash a sweet, fruity experience! While not an overpowering sherry bomb, the sherry influence is clearly present. This bottle likely won't last the holidays, so I'll be sure to get another soon!

Immediately, I detect clear sherry wine aromas, along with notes of banana and ginger. Dark fruits are present. Chocolate notes appear; with a little water, it mellows, revealing Granny Smith apple. At its current proof, it's fantastic neat, but adding water allows it to last longer, as the finish is incredibly extended! There's a subtle hint of smoke, just enough to pique interest, and the finish allows for prolonged enjoyment.