We tried the Aberlour 16 at the distillery. You can see a bit of the tasting room in the photo at the top. Pretty classy eh? According to the website the 16 was matured in first fill ex-bourbon casks and sherry butts. I am not sure about the wording though so I do not know if they used first fill sherry as well. I am guessing no. Correct me if I’m wrong! It seems to have collected quite a few awards:
2012 WWA (Best Speyside 12 to 20 years)
2012 IWSC Gold (Scotch whisky)
2013 IWSC Silver Outstanding (Scotch Single Malt – Speyside)
2013 SFWSC Gold (Single Malt Scotch – 13 to 19 Yrs)
2014 IWSC Silver Outstanding (Scotch Single Malt – Speyside).
Distillery: Aberlour
Age: 16 Years Old
ABV: 40%
Cask Type: First Fill Ex-Bourbon and Sherry (Not sure if this is first fill sherry as well)
Price: ~£45 (£43.90 from Master of Malt)
TheMadVatter
Nose
Super fruity pears and stewed apples. Pear cider. Poached pears with cinnamon and nutmeg. Syrup soaked pie crust. Despite being really sweet and bursting with fruit there are no synthetic sweet scents which is quite unusual for me. Grape juice. Bit of vanilla and toffee. A richness like red wine.
Taste
Rich warming fruits like biting into a fresh baked pie. Bit of spice. Very gentle tannins. Gentle oak. Great mouth feel. Really coats the mouth and then you can taste an feel the vapours emanating spiced apple cider.
Finish
Kind of malty and diluted fruit syrup. Some licorice spice.
Rating
7.5
Afterthoughts
Quite a lovely dram. The nose is fantastic. Just love that fruitiness. The body/taste is fun. The finish is a little short but still good. Definitely would enjoy drinking this at any occasion.
AliceInWhiskyland
Nose
Orange peels and wood shavings. Cinnamon and earthy notes of moss and damp leaves.
Taste
Rich liked dried fruits coupled with vanilla and honey.
Finish
Clean and smooth.
Rating
6
Afterthoughts
A nice complete dram. More to offer than the younger standard range (Aberlour 10).
