Aberlour A'bunadh

It’s a rainy Saturday afternoon. My son and I have to postpone our visit to the zoo (Monday’s forecast is promising). Having done all the chores assigned to me by my wife, it’s time to do a couple of reviews. But what to pick? With my whisky consumption at a 2 year nadir in August and September, I thought I should choose something to help reinvigorate my excitement.

Aberlour A’Bunadh was one of the first whiskies I tried on my whisky journey, which started just over 10 years ago. It was the first one I fell head over heels for (and not because I drank too much at once). I used to get through more than one bottle a year, but over the years my original whisky club drifted apart, and I’ve expanded my repertoire. It’s been two and a half years since I’ve opened a new bottle, and yet I still have 2 open.

I first opened this one April 27, 2018 to celebrate my 49th birthday. It was decanted into a 4 oz bottle in March 2019. Now, with less than 2 oz left, it’s time to review it before it’s too late.

This expression is reviewed in my usual manner, in a traditional Glencairn, allowing it to settle after which I take my nosing and tasting notes, followed by the addition of a few drops of water, waiting, then nosing and tasting.

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Nose:23/25

Sweet, warm and rich. Cherries, There is a slightly vegetal note that comes through. Baking spices, as in stewed apple pie filling. Dried apricots and prunes. A little spirity on the nose (Not surprising for 60.1%).

With water, there is a rich caramel note that emerges. Still spirity.

Taste: 22/25

On first sip, a little hot and spirity. Sweet. Fruity with low pitch notes, concentrated flavours as if the fruits were dried. There is a freshness to it.

Definitely more spirity and spicier with the addition of water. The low pitched dried fruit notes are pushed to the backgroung. Pleasant, but I prefer the taste neat. (20.5/25)

Finish: 23/25

Astringent. Tannic red wine taste that lasts a very long time. A little more peppery with water.

Balance: 22/25

Nice balance. Not too sweet. The nose and palate complement each other.

With water, it becomes a little more unbalanced. Too spicy and less complex. (21/25)

Score: Neat - 90/100 With Water: 87.5 /100

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A’Bunadh continues to be one of my favourite whisky expressions. This is one is above average in my opinion.

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As per tradition, the review would not be complete without mixing the two batches together.

The warm, sweet richness of the 49 is subdued a bit on the nose. On the palate, the spiciness of the 50 complements the richer dark fruit flavours of the 49.