Aberlour 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch (Whisky Shop Exclusive): Over the past year we’ve had a look at a few whiskies from the Speyside based distillery that is Aberlour, you can view those reviews here, here, here and here. However, this cask is a little bit special. It is a 12-year-old, non-chill filtered scotch which has been made exclusively for the Whisky Shop and after sampling just one dram, or was that two? – I knew I had to have a bottle of my own. On the nose: you’ll get a strong suggestion of sweet mixed fruits (raisins), followed by a delicate waft of marzipan. Some crisp red apple notes will start to appear, coupled with cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla. There is also a very small amount of oak that lingers around in there. On the palate: those initial notes from the nose will be confirmed on the palate, it starts with those lovely sweet mixed fruit flavour which is followed by those marzipan notes. The spices will be more apparent but not over bearing. Again a small amount of oak will emerge. The finish: is very, very smooth, with minimal alcohol burn, lingering sweetness and a bit of spice.
The verdict: This Whisky Shop exclusive Aberlour 12-year-old scotch is very enjoyable. It is very simple yet effective and the thing I noticed with this 12yo scotch is the same trait I found evident in the 15yo, the nose to finish is very consistent. As with all single malt scotches – this is best enjoyed straight, or with a very small amount of mineral water to allow the flavours to breathe.
Aberlour 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch (Whisky Shop Exclusive) can be found online at The Whisky Shop for approximately £50, which I think is a absolute bargain.
