Aberlour 18 yo Double Sherry Cask Finish Batch N°004

 

 

 

43°

Distillery : Aberlour - Speyside

American Oak and European Oak Casks, 1st Fill Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso Finish

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured 

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

The Aberlour 18yo has been around for a long time, apparently since the 90s, but back then it was a limited edition, reserved for the French and American markets. From 2008, it became part of the Core Range, and available worldwide. At that time, it was coloured and cold-filtered. But in 2022, there was another change: it was now finished in 1st Fill Sherry casks, and divided into Batches. The first Batch was launched in 2022. The advantage was that it was now colour-free and unchill-filtered.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The sherry is quite pervasive, velvety, unctuous, apple crumble sprinkled with cinnamon, quince jam, orange marmalade, caramel and treacle, kneaded leather, blueberries and blackberries, slightly charred wood, fireplace. On the palate, as much sherry as ever, but it's very well done, almost bewitching, dried fruits, dates, apricots, figs and bananas, a few currants, ripe yellow peaches, melting toffee, rich spices, nutmeg, cloves and, of course, cinnamon. Long finish, ginger, sweet potatoes, plantains, lychees, earthy notes, roasted hazelnuts, pan-fried mushrooms.

 

In Short, 

It's deep and expressive, just what you'd expect from a bottling of this type. It seems to me that it's much better than the classic Aberlour 18yo, which was distributed between 2008 and 2022. The Sherry is more intense, brings more flavour, and the influence of the wood is very well controlled. On the other hand, the price has risen considerably, and the value for money is not very attractive.

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                          To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Maurice John Vaughn - Computer Took my Job