When it comes to rich, full-bodied whiskies, Aberlour A'bunadh is a name that consistently stands out. Known for its robust flavors and intense character, each batch of Aberlour A'bunadh offers a unique experience for whisky enthusiasts. Batch #77, matured in Spanish Oloroso Sherry butts, is no exception. With its high strength of 60.8%, this expression delivers a powerful and memorable tasting journey.
The Aberlour distillery, nestled in the heart of Speyside, Scotland, has a long history dating back to its establishment in 1826. Over the years, Aberlour has earned a reputation for producing whiskies of exceptional quality, with a focus on sherry cask maturation. The A'bunadh series, in particular, showcases the distillery's commitment to traditional methods and rich, sherried flavors.
Batch #77 of Aberlour A'bunadh is a testament to the influence of Spanish Oloroso Sherry butts. These large casks, made from European oak, previously held the luscious and fortified Oloroso Sherry. The whisky absorbs the deep, fruity, and nutty flavors from the sherry-soaked wood, resulting in a complex and indulgent profile.
As you pour a dram of Aberlour A'bunadh Batch #77, the aromas immediately envelop your senses. The nose is filled with notes of dark chocolate, dried fruits, and warm spices. It's a symphony of raisins, figs, cinnamon, and nutmeg that draws you in, inviting you to explore further.
On the palate, the whisky reveals its true character. The sherry influence is front and center, with a wave of rich, sweet flavors coating your tongue. Layers of caramel, toffee, and dark fruit compote unfold, accompanied by hints of cloves and oak. Despite the high alcohol content, the whisky remains smooth and velvety, a testament to its quality and careful maturation.
The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a lingering warmth and a delightful sweetness on the palate. As the flavors slowly fade, you're left with a sense of fulfillment, knowing you've experienced a truly exceptional whisky.
Batch #77 of Aberlour A'bunadh is a limited release, and each bottle represents a treasure for whisky collectors and enthusiasts alike. Its high strength and intense flavors make it a dram to be savored slowly, allowing the complexities to unfold with each sip.
In conclusion, Aberlour A'bunadh Batch #77 matured in Spanish Oloroso Sherry butts at 60.8% is a whisky that demands attention. Its sherry-driven profile, packed with rich flavors and a velvety texture, is a delight for those who appreciate a bold and indulgent dram. Whether enjoyed on a special occasion or added to a prized whisky collection, Aberlour A'bunadh Batch #77 is a shining example of the mastery and craftsmanship behind Aberlour whiskies.
Whisky Notes (84)
Nose: vanilla and milk chocolate at first, followed by sultanas, caramelized walnuts and cinnamon. Grows fruitier, with marmalade, berries and red apples. Then brown sugar, as well as some dusty barley in the background. Some cola candy, polished wood and butterscotch too. A rather modern, rounded sherry profile, but definitely inviting.
Mouth: starts sweet and rather fruity again, with plenty of raisins, red grapes and candied pear. Then oak sets in, with ginger and black pepper, perhaps a little too aggressive. A grassy side as well. Liquorice and heavily infused black tea in the end.
Finish: long and rather rough, with spicy oak, raw barley and cocoa.
As a nosing whisky, this still offers a lot of pleasure. On the palate it became a little rough in recent batches, I’d say. The wood gets to speak louder.
Serge Valentin (87)
As ever, keeping up with Aberlour’s batches feels like chasing one’s tail, but we do try to sample at least one out of every two or three since that very first ‘no batch number’ release back in 1998 (WF 88). The last one we tasted, Batch #75 from 2022, struck us as particularly rustic compared to others (WF 84). Colour: full gold. Nose: Kicks off with the ever-faithful walnut and honey cake, a touch of fresh varnish and coconut in the background, then a wave of sticky toffee pudding and roasted pecans. That’s pretty much irresistible. With water: just a whisper of brake pad smoke, a hint of roasted aubergine, and then the usual parade of dried fruits, chocolate, roasted malt, and spices. Mouth (neat): very classic—chocolate-covered cherries (Mon Chéri), raisins, and fruitcake. That usual powerful delivery, slightly perilous if you’re not careful, given how deceptively easy it drinks. With water: this strikes me as a solid batch. Lovely pepperiness, bitter oranges, black coffee, cherry stones, ginger, and nutmeg. Finish: extremely long, with spiced caramel making its mark alongside a good dose of liquorice. Comments: there’s also a touch of violet-tinged liquorice lingering in the retro-olfaction.
