Aberlour Casg Annamh (Batch 1)

It seems Aberlour is also venturing into the rare cask market with this latest, non-age-statement release. This is considered a limited, small batch and this is the first batch; I don't believe any reached North America. This is Casg Annamh, which means “rare cask” in Gaelic. It's non-chill filtered but has added color and is bottled at 48% ABV. It's a blend of single malt whiskies of undeclared age, aged in two types of American oak barrels and European sherry oak. It presents a beautiful sunset orange hue in the glass and appears very oily, leaving heavy water droplets after swirling. The aroma is a delightful bouquet and likely the best aspect of this offering: oranges, raisins, toffee, sweet tea, and sherry cask influence with a light oak foundation. It's very appealing. The palate is quite smooth with significant sherry influence. There's abundant caramel sweetness and a somewhat harsh, late bite at the back. Young oak notes contribute to a slight harshness that carries into the finish. Speaking of the finish, it's medium-long and mouthwatering. Lingering notes of orange marmalade and sweet yellow cake emerge at the very end, giving it a dessert-like quality. It's a pleasant way to conclude the tasting. Overall, this fits nicely between the Aberlour 12 and A’Bunadh. It's considerably better than the 12 and mellowed enough for those who find the A’Bunadh overwhelming. It lacks some of the depth of the 18, but the price point compensates for that. I found this online for about $80 for a 1-liter bottle. It's unfortunate the quantities were so limited, but I assume the initial run indicates subsequent batches will be released. This makes it somewhat of a collector's item now. If you spot one online or sitting on a shelf, I recommend grabbing it. It's a strong offering from Aberlour. 4 stars. Cheers.

With my adjustment to just an ounce on Fridays and one on Sundays, I eagerly anticipate unwinding after a demanding work week, or preparing for one packed with meetings and operational planning. The most challenging part of returning to a one-ounce pour each Friday is selecting from over 50 samples, a few open bottles, and an excessive number of sealed ones. These are privileged difficulties. This week has been particularly stressful, with the non-stop reality unfolding daily (this week focusing on a certain political figure and the surrounding spectacle). I am grateful every day that I am not employed in our current public drama. Then again, if I were... I might be drinking a bottle nightly instead of a couple of ounces weekly. Anyway, I'm getting sidetracked. A friend provided this sample. I cannot discern if this is intended as a replacement for Abunadh, or a new offering. Regardless, I found this much more appealing. Abunadh was like cherry NyQuil reborn as a scotch. I detest cherry NyQuil. This is considerably better... you experience the characteristic sherry influence of sweet dried fruits and sultanas, with adequate warmth without being overpowering, and a finish reminiscent of Brazil nuts. Would I purchase a bottle? Yes... if it were priced

Nose - Rich, syrupy dried berries, raisins, cherries, a subtle hint of honey and candied ginger. Taste - Pleasant orange-ginger fruity spice/warmth, less syrupy than the nose suggests, with raisins, dried cherries, and a mild tartness from fruit stems (apple core & grape seeds/vines). Finish - The orange-ginger warmth/spice fades, leaving a faint metallic sweetness and persistent mild fruity tartness, reminiscent of apple stems and grape seeds. Score - 87/100 Final Thoughts - This was true to the "sherry bomb" profile I've encountered in Aberlour expressions, though more pronounced on the nose. The palate was somewhat less intensely sweet than typical sherry bombs and had more white pepper/ginger spice than expected. It would have been great, but the subtle metallic and fruity tartness become a bit distracting towards the end of the palate. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - Perhaps Would I buy a bottle? - Perhaps

I must admit, I'm rather surprised by the average reviews, especially from the expert. I generally favor intensely sherried whiskies, being a big fan of Aberlour A'Bunadh and Aberlour 16. So, I purchased a bottle of this while on a work trip. I'm very pleased I took the risk. It has an attractive deep red color and all the classic aromas associated with a sherry cask, with fruits and cherries prominent, and I detect a very subtle hint of caramel. The palate begins sweet, smooth, and fruity, gradually evolving to incorporate notes of oak, spice, and a pleasant warmth. The finish is notably long. After the initial warmth subsides, the sherry and sweet fruit notes return vividly. I thoroughly enjoy every taste of this scotch and would highly endorse it, regardless of others' opinions. I detected no metallic aftertaste whatsoever.

This expression, named "Casg Annamh" which translates from Gaelic to "Rare Cask," is among the recent releases from the well-known Aberlour distillery. Presented at 48% ABV, it boasts a lovely, deep copper color. On the nose, notes of coffee, damp earth, chocolate, orange, humidity, plums, and cocoa butter are present. Quite intriguing. The palate is more direct but highly effective. Dark chocolate with a high cocoa content, oranges, almonds, vanilla, milk powder, and cherries. The finish is dominated by ginger spice, tobacco, and a slight ashiness, with hints of burnt oak. In my opinion, the 48% ABV contributes to a rich array of flavors in this dram, making it more approachable than the A'bunadh, and it certainly warrants a place in your collection. Rated 88/100.

My weekly pour...it really builds anticipation. Tonight, I'm finishing the last ounce from a two-ounce sample sent by a friend. I previously rated this four stars, and I'm sticking with that rating this time. I actually disliked the Aberlour Abundadh, finding it too heavy on the sherry and tasting like cherry cough syrup. This version is more subdued. The aroma has roasted nuts and dried fruits. The palate features dates and figs. It leaves a lasting finish of dried nuts with a hint of heat. It's not groundbreaking, but it doesn't need to be. It's simply a straightforward, well-crafted everyday dram.