Aberlour A'bunadh

ABERLOUR A’BUNADH SHOWDOWN (The rating on this review applies to Batch 64, which doesn’t have a page on Distiller). Aberlour A’Bunadh Batch 56 Aberlour A’Bunadh Batch 64 Continuing to work through whiskies in my collection that I’ve yet to review. I did review an unknown batch of A’Bunadh (numerically only) on December 14, 2019. And inexplicably, neither of the two batches that I’m reviewing here have their own distinct Distiller pages; thus I’ll review each of these on the non-batch-specific A’Bunadh page. Is there a bigger “sherry bomb?” I’ve been a huge A’Bunadh fan from my first sip, and have gone through several bottles and batches; these are the last two in my inventory—in fact, the Batch 56 bottle was emptied for this review. Only one left! Aberlour A’Bunadh Batch 56 Color is a clear, deep, red-tinged mahogany, most closely aligned to Pantone 160. Sweet Jesus! Full-throttle, sherry-influenced nose: molasses, tangy barbecue sauce, raisins, chocolate covered cherries, Chinese five-spice, copper, pecan pie, pralines, and vanilla extract. The ethanol is essentially unnoticed on the nose—at 122.4 proof. The palate hits you with gobs of sugar, both brown and caramelized and just a little viscosity. The ethanol announces its presence as it transitions to the finish, but it actually rings the doorbell rather than pounds on the door as one would expect. There is a subtle (and appreciated) bitterness consistent with the caramelized sugar on the finish, lingering vanilla, and a petrol note. Deep, rich flavors and high proof: what’s not to like? The current release of Aberlour A’Bunadh—I’m not sure what the batch number is—typically retails for a little north of $100. Would I buy it again? Yes. 4.75 on the Distiller scale. 61.2% ABV. NAS. Batch 56. Non-chill filtered. Aberlour A’Bunadh Batch 64 Color is virtually identical to Batch 56; Pantone 160. Quite different nose however: it’s not as effusive, and there’s a dusty element initially, along with cocoa powder, grape-jelly reduction (this is imagined, but it’s deeper than Smucker’s out of the jar), neatsfoot-oiled leather, dried orange, and clove. The palate is more flavorful, but lacks the intensity of Batch 56; Some peppercorn spice on the finish; the dried orange from the nose reappears, along with drying leather. Batch 64 is not in the same league as Batch 56; it lacks that intensity and complexity, but it’s still delicious. Would I buy it again? Yes. Without question. Whatever the release of Aberlour A’Bunadh, it is a must-have in any serious whisk(e)y lover’s portfolio. 4.0 on the Distiller scale. 59.9% ABV. NAS. Batch 64. Non-chill filtered. I’d like to see more disclosure from Aberlour for its A’Bunadh offering. There’s no age statement, but what’s the risk in disclosing this from batch to batch? It won’t prohibit its legion of loyal fans from buying it; rather, the added transparency would have the exact opposite effect. How about the type of sherry butts? Are they Oloroso? PX? Some combination? And then there’s the issue of coloring: the label says that their methods ensure “a dark, luxurious and rich whisky” (separately: why no Oxford comma?). But they don’t explicitly state that there is no added coloring, and at least one website says that coloring is added to the 10-year and 18-year Abelour offerings (coloring has to be disclosed on European labels, apparently). Aberlour A’Bunadh is one of those whiskies that will suck a whisky geek into its vortex, insisting that they purchase each and every release—in the name of science and empirical analysis, of course. The subtle batch-to-batch differences must be ferreted out! The issue is—like the triannual releases of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof or its distillery cousin, Larceny Barrel Proof—it can be difficult to keep up with each release due to the high alcohol content and plethora of other whiskies that are begging for your attention (I know this personally from ECBP, but that hasn’t stopped me). N.B.: All spirits tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

ABERLOUR A’BUNADH SHOWDOWN (The rating on this review applies to Batch 56, which doesn’t have a page on Distiller). Aberlour A’Bunadh Batch 56 Aberlour A’Bunadh Batch 64 Continuing to work through whiskies in my collection that I’ve yet to review. I did review an unknown batch of A’Bunadh (numerically only) on December 14, 2019. And inexplicably, neither of the two batches that I’m reviewing here have their own distinct Distiller pages; thus I’ll review each of these on the non-batch-specific A’Bunadh page. Is there a bigger “sherry bomb?” I’ve been a huge A’Bunadh fan from my first sip, and have gone through several bottles and batches; these are the last two in my inventory—in fact, the Batch 56 bottle was emptied for this review. Only one left! Aberlour A’Bunadh Batch 56 Color is a clear, deep, red-tinged mahogany, most closely aligned to Pantone 160. Sweet Jesus! Full-throttle, sherry-influenced nose: molasses, tangy barbecue sauce, raisins, chocolate covered cherries, Chinese five-spice, copper, pecan pie, pralines, and vanilla extract. The ethanol is essentially unnoticed on the nose—at 122.4 proof. The palate hits you with gobs of sugar, both brown and caramelized and just a little viscosity. The ethanol announces its presence as it transitions to the finish, but it actually rings the doorbell rather than pounds on the door as one would expect. There is a subtle (and appreciated) bitterness consistent with the caramelized sugar on the finish, lingering vanilla, and a petrol note. Deep, rich flavors and high proof: what’s not to like? The current release of Aberlour A’Bunadh—I’m not sure what the batch number is—typically retails for a little north of $100. Would I buy it again? Yes. 4.75 on the Distiller scale. 61.2% ABV. NAS. Batch 56. Non-chill filtered. Aberlour A’Bunadh Batch 64 Color is virtually identical to Batch 56; Pantone 160. Quite different nose however: it’s not as effusive, and there’s a dusty element initially, along with cocoa powder, grape-jelly reduction (this is imagined, but it’s deeper than Smucker’s out of the jar), neatsfoot-oiled leather, dried orange, and clove. The palate is more flavorful, but lacks the intensity of Batch 56; Some peppercorn spice on the finish; the dried orange from the nose reappears, along with drying leather. Batch 64 is not in the same league as Batch 56; it lacks that intensity and complexity, but it’s still delicious. Would I buy it again? Yes. Without question. Whatever the release of Aberlour A’Bunadh, it is a must-have in any serious whisk(e)y lover’s portfolio. 4.0 on the Distiller scale. 59.9% ABV. NAS. Batch 64. Non-chill filtered. I’d like to see more disclosure from Aberlour for its A’Bunadh offering. There’s no age statement, but what’s the risk in disclosing this from batch to batch? It won’t prohibit its legion of loyal fans from buying it; rather, the added transparency would have the exact opposite effect. How about the type of sherry butts? Are they Oloroso? PX? Some combination? And then there’s the issue of coloring: the label says that their methods ensure “a dark, luxurious and rich whisky” (separately: why no Oxford comma?). But they don’t explicitly state that there is no added coloring, and at least one website says that coloring is added to the 10-year and 18-year Abelour offerings (coloring has to be disclosed on European labels, apparently). Aberlour A’Bunadh is one of those whiskies that will suck a whisky geek into its vortex, insisting that they purchase each and every release—in the name of science and empirical analysis, of course. The subtle batch-to-batch differences must be ferreted out! The issue is—like the triannual releases of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof or its distillery cousin, Larceny Barrel Proof—it can be difficult to keep up with each release due to the high alcohol content and plethora of other whiskies that are begging for your attention (I know this personally from ECBP, but that hasn’t stopped me). N.B.: All spirits tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

Review #057 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 61.2% Comments: NAS, matured in Spanish oloroso sherry butts, this bottle was from batch no. 70 Tasted after: first up Appearance (no score): Auburn color. Swirling reveals a thin line sticking to the side of the glass, begins to bead quickly but legs are slow to form. Nose: 16/20 Raisins, milk chocolate, nuts, raspberries still on the vine (subtle aroma, a bit sweet, but grassy and floral also), and a hint of an earthy, oaky aroma lingering in the back. Palate: 34/40 I’m never prepared for how hot this one hits, you can taste all of the 122.4 proof. My taste buds acclimate after a couple sips though, and I first notice bitter oak tannins and leather. It’s subtly sweet also, and a few more sips starts to reveal plumbs, red berry fruitiness (can’t quite pinpoint a specific type), and dark chocolate. Finish: 32/40 Medium length. Big tobacco notes to start with, then it becomes almost harshly bitter for a moment and I can’t help but think of grappa here. The bitter flavor subsides slightly but carries forward with lemon and orange peel. Ends on a mildly salty note with a subtle earthy flavor lingering in the background throughout. With Water: A few drops of water bring out sweet caramel notes on the nose. The sherry bomb explodes on the next sip now, way sweeter! Juicy honeycrisp apples and red currants on the palate. The bitterness of the finish has been significantly reduced, replaced by a honey sweetness. The semi-bitter citrus is still here but now leaving behind a semi-sweet chocolate flavor on the end. Total: 82/100 Final thoughts: This is a whisky that doesn’t just love water, it needs water. I went back and re-scored every category adding points after adding four drops. For me that was when it really started opening up as I wasn’t getting a ton of sherry influence prior. It’s too bad the finish isn’t longer, but overall this is a yummy one! Price: $77 Would recommend: yes Would buy: yes Scoring Legend: 96-100: The perfect dram, absolutely exceptional, nectar of the gods, I will savor this bottle and make it last, 5 stars. 90-95: Near perfect, there is something truly special about this whisky, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to amazing, almost the complete product, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable to drink, but doesn’t wow me, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but ultimately flawed, unlikely to purchase again, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid dram, but wouldn't go out of my way to get it, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Suitable for cooking or direct contribution to the kitchen sink drain, 2.5 stars or less.

The Oloroso sherry butts of yesteryear were certainly better, but despite all the naysayers, Aberlour A'bunadh is still a pretty fine dram. Lovely notes of strawberries, cherries and roasted almonds emerge from the Glencairn, enriched by After Eights, walnut cake and dried herbs. Potent and spicy, the taste pushes forward with stewed fruits, ginger and eucalyptus. It is surprisingly versatile and thrives with added water. Mon Chéri, coffee and measured oak fade in the long finish. Maybe not as good as it used to be, but I am far from being disappointed. RATING: 3.9/5.0 stars ≙ 86 pts → FIRST-CLASS [-]

Like eating a high end holiday fruitcake soaked in sherry instead of rum and the fruits have been roasted before baking! The nose and palate are perfectly aligned with slight banana and overly ripened stone fruits. There is a soft wood note that shows decent age as well. The finish is long and shows a younger age until you add a few drops of water and then the age comes storming back. As does a sweet, fruitful experience! Not a true sherry bomb but it does allow the infuence to be known. I doubt this bottle will make it through the coming holiday season so i’ll be sure to grab another one very soon!

Right off the bat, getting obviously sherry wine aromas, but banana and ginger are found there too. Dark fruits. Chocolate notes, with a little water added it softens but than Granny Smith 🍏, at its proof it’s amazing neat, but nice to know you can stretch it w water to make it last longer cause the finish is crazy long! There’s a little smoke in there but just enough to tease you and only want more, but the finish doesn’t allows you to just sit with it for quite some time!