Ex-bourbon Aberlour is not bottled nearly enough for my liking – and rarely at all by the distillery itself. Here, we have an 11 year old that’s been drawn from a refill ex-bourbon barrel. Sweet, Fruity & Mellow profile.
Nose: Gummy bears and fruit pastilles provide a fruity vibrancy that’s enlivened by cherry and berry cordial. Whipped cream and pavlova add some creaminess, whilst rose water Turkish delight adds a pleasant floral back note. Water moves things out of the orchard into the bakery with rolled pastry, sponge cake and fresh coffee beans.
Taste: A silky delivery of sweet and sour fruitiness – red berries (raspberry and cranberry) alongside unripe green fruits (gooseberry and greengage). Toffee and coconut sit with toasted cereals, and steadily develop spiciness from dusty pepper. In the back-palate, florals once again present themselves – rose petals and lavender along with chopped kitchen herbs. Reduction perks up the spicing levels whilst adding a slight chalkiness to the texture.
Finish: Medium in length with white pepper, cut flowers (rose) and savoury herbs.
There’s some good gradation and variety to be found in this Aberlour – sugars, fruits, creams, spices, florals and herbs. Even better – everything sits together nicely in harmony. A good choice for a light, but surprisingly intricate whisky to start an evening with.