Aberlour 16yo Cask Strength (TWE Exclusive)

You don’t often see official single cask bottlings from Aberlour. It’s a testament to the well-connected people of The Whisky Exchange that they managed to get the Aberlour to bottle them a 16 year old sherry bomb.

Aberlour 16yo (53,5%, OB bottled for TWE, C#4738)

Nose: This is a BOMB. Very reminiscent of good batches of a’bunadh, but a tad friendlier. Lots of raisins, dates and dried plums. Molasses and thick cherry syrup too. A hint of aniseed in the background.
Taste: Very, very syrupy. Blackcurrants, red berries and plums. Luscious. Some milk chocolate and espresso, as well as spices (black pepper, cinnamon).
Finish: A tad dry. Spicy at first but ends on a fruitier note. Long.

Rating: 89

If you like your whisky infused with sherry influences, than this will not disappoint. The only thing is: I’m not convinced it is that much better than a good batch of Aberlour a’bunadh (which is much cheaper).