Aberlour A'bunadh

It’s a rainy Saturday afternoon. My son and I had to postpone our visit to the zoo. Having done everything assigned to me by my wife, I have time to do a couple of reviews. But what to choose? While my interest in learning about whiskies and purchasing new expressions has remained high, my actual consumption is at near record lows, especially over the last two months. This is not sustainable. I need to reinvigorate my passion for whisky.

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. I used to open more than one bottle a year, but over the years my original whisky club disbanded (one of its members is a big fan), 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 29, 2019 to celebrate my 50th birthday, with @Victor, @Maddie and @Paddockjudge. It remains just over 1/3 full, and has been gassed after each use.

This expression is reviewed in my usual manner, 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: 22/25

A little muted compared to the batch 49. Drier as well. Dark fruits with a slight funkiness. Cinnamon. Fruit syrup.

With water the funkiness appears to have dissipated. (22.5/25)

Taste: 22/25

Sweet and spicy on the entry. Much spicier but drier than the 49. Dark fruits. A hint of licorice in the development. A very different palate than the 49. Water does not appear to change things.

Finish: 22/25

Astringent and peppery. Fairly long.

Balance: 22/25

The nose does not prepare you for the palate. A little heavy on the spice, which overpowers the fruit.

Score: Neat - 88/100 With Water: 88.5/100

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Not a bad batch, probably among the average batches of A’Bunadh I’ve had. And for A’Bunadh, average is pretty good.

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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.