Aberlour A’Bunadh whisky review and tasting notes
Aberlour A’Bunadh single malt is a warm, mature and enveloping Scotch whisky. The malt reaches absolute peaks of fleshiness, thanks to the refinement only in barrels used to make oloroso sherry.
As you well know, Aberlour A’Bunadh whiskey is a limited edition, particularly fine and refined, created in honor of James Fleming, the founder of the Aberlour distillery, one of the most interesting in Speyside.
And this single malt is the son of Speyside. Every drop of it is impregnated with it. Malt and honey, caramel and spices, softness, warmth, fleshiness of the fruit, freshness, herbs and flowers to no end. There is a lot of finesse in this distillate, born from a careful selection of small batches that refine in sherry butts and see no other wood. A technique that helps to oxygenate and concentrate the whisky. It increases the oxidized and nutty aromas and flavors given by the sherry and at the same time, the fruit becomes decadent, creamy and sumptuous. But it’s often an easy way to steroid-pump whisky. It’s a way to make it look richer and rounder, but not this time. The refinement was handled with great sensitivity. They gave impetus and development to this whisky, without ever falling into stylization, the greatest danger. It is always an excellent buy for the price at which the Aberlour A’Bunadh is sold. Year after year, it never disappoints.
Organoleptic characteristics of Aberlour A’Bunadh whiskey
Do not think that he is a flaccid fluffy one. On the contrary, as soon as you approach your nose, it hits you with notes of fruit in syrup, spices, apple pie, meringue, custard and then it goes on like a locomotive with endless spices, lemon tart and cinnamon. The tone is overbearing, greedy, massive: it’s a gigantic block of candied orange framed by chocolate and vanilla. The sherry worked deeply, making it pungent, minty, caramelized, and full of nutty hints of dried fruit and figs. Medicinal finish of herbs and broom dipped in toffee.
It is warm and peppery on the palate, with streams of honey and nutmeg alternating to give impetus. Its flavor is very oxidized, with rocky herbs and tannins that give it structure and a certain grumpiness. The heat is considerable. Indeed it is a bit difficult to read it like this without water. It is mammoth in alcoholic boldness with its 49.5 degrees of alcohol. A drop of water helps a lot to make it open. It relaxes, releases the caramelized and spicy grip and lets in more subtle fruity and floral tones.
Overall it is a full and combative whiskey, very alcoholic and structured. Still, the texture is not lacking and not even the aromatic depth, thanks to dynamic development and a lot of raw material that you can almost bite. The sip is not immediate. It is a whiskey to be sipped, extended with a drop of water and then sipped very calmly. However, the thickness is undeniable. But don’t think it’s a straightforward approach or smooth whisky.
Price of Aberlour A’Bunadh whiskey
64-68 euros: the price is right, in line with the quality offered by this intriguing Highland single malt.
Food Pairings
Chocolate, salmon terrines, brisket and pulled pork, chocolate salami, apple pie, tiramisu, creme brûlée.
