Review: Aberlour Double Cask 12, 16, and 18 Years Old
Review: Aberlour Double Cask 12, 16, and 18 Years Old
Years ago I wrote about Aberlour’s beloved cask strength A’bunadh bottling, but I have long overlooked some charming offerings from this Speyside-based distillery. (Never mind the “Highland” on the label.) Aberlour’s standard age-statemented, more typical proof whiskies rely on some uncommon barrel aging techniques to create some unusual and easy-drinking single malts. Thoughts follow on the 12, 16, and 18 year old expressions.
Aberlour Highland Single Malt 12 Years Old Double Cask Matured – Not a sherry-finished whiskey. Rather, whiskies are either fully aged in a traditional oak cask or a sherry cask, then these two whiskies are married after each age for 12 years or more to create this expression. Just coming out of its youth, the nose offers fruit and a touch of heather and cereal. The body features lots of dried fruit notes — apricots, golden raisins/sultanas, and a healthy dose of woodiness. Really on fire at this blend of sherry and bourbon oak — proof that whisky needn’t be aged to the hilt in order to be masterful and delicious. 80 proof. A- / $43 [BUY IT NOW FROM CASKERS] [BUY IT NOW FROM TOTAL WINE]
Aberlour Highland Single Malt 16 Years Old Double Cask Matured – Made using the same dual-aging method as the 12 year old expression, just 4 years older. Considerably darker in color, almost ruddy in complexion. While the 12 year old is relatively light and carefree, the 16 shows off a much more powerful depth of flavor, heightening just about every aspect of the whisky. The dried fruit is punchier here, and so is the wood. Overall it’s the sherry character that gets the most notice with the 16 year old, a pungent orange peel and citrus oil note that endures throughout a lengthy session with this spirit. 80 proof. B+ / $75 [BUY IT NOW FROM CASKERS] [BUY IT NOW FROM TOTAL WINE]
Aberlour Highland Single Malt 18 Years Old – The label doesn’t say it’s double cask matured like the above, but this malt undergoes the same production treatment as its younger siblings. It is however bottled at 43% abv, a bit hotter than the rest. Similar notes here, but the 18 takes on a dark chocolate note, with hints of cinnamon and root beer. Some hospital notes tend to endure, driven mainly by the higher alcohol level. 86 proof. B+ / $92 [BUY IT NOW FROM CASKERS] [BUY IT NOW FROM TOTAL WINE]
Aberlour Highland Single Malt 12 Years Old Double Cask Matured
$43
I’m brand new to this site, having discovered it because I am ever curious about cocktail recipes and advice. This review of Aberlour “expressions” is not encouraging. “These two whiskies are married after each age for 12 years or more to create this expression. Just coming out of its youth, the nose offers fruit and a touch of heather and cereal. The body features lots of dried fruit notes — apricots, golden raisins/sultanas, and a healthy dose of woodiness. Really on fire at this blend of sherry and bourbon oak — proof that whisky needn’t be aged to the hilt in order to be masterful and delicious. 80 proof. A- / $43” So, at 12 years, a scotch whisky is just barely beyond being young? I’m wondering, who is it that can’t review a 12-year-old scotch without approaching it as bordering on young? Does your everyday whisky cost upwards of $50 a bottle? That’s downright scary.
12 years old is the youngest expression for many single malt producers, and like it or not $40 to $50 is sadly becoming the norm at this age level. This is also Aberlour’s youngest expression, so I’d argue the distillery sees it as an expression on the young side, as well — otherwise it’d sell an 8 or a 10 year old. That said, I stand by my comments regarding the whisky itself. “Just coming out of its youth” or not, I think it’s the best expression of these three spirits.
One of Aberlour’s best is their 12 yr Non-Chill Filter.