56,2°
Distillery : Aberlour - Speyside
1st Fill American Oak and Oloroso Sherry Casks, 1st Fill Oloroso and PX Sherry Finish
Original Bottling
Limited Edition
Single Malt
Bottled in 2025
Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength
Totally Unpeated
In 1998, Aberlour launched the A'Bunadh series, which would go down in whisky history. It is a cask strength whisky aged entirely in Oloroso sherry casks. It was a resounding success, with 84 batches released until 2024. That year, the series came to an end and was replaced by a new series, A'Bunadh Sherry Cask Collection, which was launched the following year, last October. Here is the very first batch. The difference with the original A'Bunadh seems to be that, this time, the maturation is not entirely in sherry casks. A few American oak casks are also used. However, the finish is 100% sherry. I have stated that it is also uncoloured, as some websites specify this, but I am not entirely convinced. I have no idea how many bottles have been produced.
Let's Taste It :
It is creamy and balanced, although the sherry is quite intense. A lovely woodiness to start with, followed by dried fruit, slightly candied, dates, red apples, cherries, raisins, soft toffee, Tatin tart sprinkled with cinnamon, chocolate sarments du Médoc with orange, candied ginger. On the palate, Belle Hélène pear and vanilla caramel, intense spices, nutmeg, cloves, apple compote. Powerful and very long finish, brown sugar wafers, fig biscuits, lemon tart. Slightly smoky wood, hazelnuts and cashews.
In Short,
A beautiful roundness, very indulgent, and a sherry that is not too overpowering, although very present. I find that it works very well, and is more balanced than some of the A'Bunadh whiskies from the old series, where the sherry was really very strong. The nose is very subtle and complex, but lacks a little depth. The palate is very good, and the finish is fantastic. I was really surprised by the quality of the product. However, the price is a little high for a non age-statement whisky.
Score : 89
To Be Listened While Sipping :
Lil'Ed and The Blues Imperials - I Still Love You
