Aberlour A'bunadh

Which batch number did you try?

Batch 34. I hope they don't change too much from batch to batch, because this one was amazing.

I have heard that batch's do change unfortunately. I'm patiently waiting for Fathers day to try mine batch 30. The next batch coming here is batch 35. Might be interesting to do a compare see which is better.

Have just bought the 18yo which is a fabulously smooth whisky but could do probably do with a touch more alcohol ... am a fan of bolder Islay offerings like Ardbeg and Laproiag cask strength so am looking forward to trying this Abunadh at nearly 60% abv.... should get the full flavor and kick together..

I'll be interested to know what you think, as Ardbeg Uigeadail is my favorite malt, and I'm thoroughly enjoying the Laphroiag Quarter Cask that I just bought. The Abunadh is definitely a huge departure from those, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it.

This is a scotch that I dearly want to try out. Unfortunately here in Pennsylvania, spirits are sold by the state controlled Wine & Spirits stores. They don't carry any Aberlour so I might have to try seeking this out by internet. Any suggestions?

@DaveM, you won't be sorry trying A'bunadh. I don't have any internet suggestions for you, but Maryland is a good place to buy whisky. Are you far north in PA?

@dmessmer, they are different from batch to batch, which actually gives you something to look forward to. I have bottles from two batches, and would love to sample some more batches of A'bunadh for comparison. So far I haven't heard of anyone complaining about this whisky on this site.

@dmessmer, A'bunadh is a classic, revered by most Connosrs. If you like it, you may also like Macallan Cask Strength, and Glendronach 15 Revival (these are all 100% sherry cask matured, as is A'bunadh). I have A'bunadh #28 (opened), #13 and #23. I too, like to add some water to smooth it out a bit. Single malts are full of surprises ... almost a perpetual adventure !

Victor, I am near Harrisburg PA. Any suggestions where I could find this in MD?

@DaveM, since you are closer to Baltimore, in that area I would suggest (calling first to check A'bunadh stocking) The Wine Source, Beltway Liquor, and Shawan Liquor as very good liquor stores. Closer to DC, in my area, Montgomery County, there is lots of A'bunadh on the shelves of most of the 24 county liquor stores. If you consider a liquor run to Maryland soon, you will save 3% by doing it before July 1, when the Maryland liquor taxes go from 6% to 9%.

After buying a bottle and trying a couple of drams of Batch 34, leaving for a few days and trying again, I'm beginning to think this is exceptional stuff. Just spent the evening trying this neat and with varying amounts of water and it seems to be never ending with surprises. Deep sherry marzipan and almonds on the nose with a butterscotch hit and long citrus-dry and ginger spice finish that lingers and tingles on the lips. What a great malt whisky.

@AboutChoice, thanks for the suggestions. I've tried the Macallan 18 and 12, which I liked just fine, but they didn't blow me away. But the higher proof expressions might suit me better. It's good to know that I'm not the only one that enjoys the Aberlour. What's interesting is how overwhelmingly popular the reviews here seem to be - I had thought that some people would be turned on by the intensity of the sherry aging in the same way that some people don't like the peat of some highly regarded Islays, but that doesn't seem to be the case. I'm looking forward now to trying a different batch and seeing just how much that changes the flavor.

I am also a big fan of Islay malts and Uigaedail in particular, but A'Bunadh has been a very special thing since the day I first tasted it. Since then I tried every batch from 27 through to 34 and has never been too concerned about differences as they all seemed great to me. But as I just opened batch 35 today fresh off the shelf I was totally astonished by a completely new smoothness and reachness of this superb malt. It feels as though it reached a much higher level so I wondered if anyone else noticed the difference or it is just me? I will compare 34 and 35 again tomorrow to make sure but would be very interested to see other opinions.

@ dmessmer, Macallan have a sensational Whisky; 12yrs. in a single Oloroso cask. I'm not sure if this is available away from the distillery - It is 100 proof (57.1%abv.) I'm a huge fan of A'bunadh but the Macallan is in a class of its' own. I think that Macallan have some very solid contracts with Jerez's finest makers.