Aberlour a`bunadh is a natural single cask strength malt whisky. Taken directly from specially selected sherry casks it is bottled as simply as possible without the use of modern filtering methods or the addition of water.

The three main characteristics that distinguish Aberlour a`bunadh from the other single malts are:

-Original Cask Strength means that the whisky is bottled at the strength of the cask, which in the case of the first batch of a`bunadh is 59.6%. Not diluted, the whisky possesses a greater aromatic complexity. Most malts of the old days were cask strength.

-Not Chill-filtered. Today most malt whiskies are chill-filtered to prevent the whisky becoming cloudy when adding water or ice. This process, which did not exist in the 19th century, removes some richness and mouth feel as well as some fruit and sherry character. Aberlour a`bunadh is a true replica of the old days` malts.

-Only the best Sherry Butts, which previously held oloroso, have been selected by Douglas Cruickshank, Aberlour`s Distillery Director. These casks are the rarest and the most precious used for whisky maturation. Again, they were used in the old days when sherry was imported from Spain in casks which were then left empty sitting in UK ports or ships.

It is presented in an elegant dark green gift carton carefully crafted using ancient die-stamping methods. The unique bottle recalls the traditional flasks used by locals in the 19th century to collect their precious whisky.

A`bunadh (a-boon-akh) literally means ”the origin” in Gaelic and is a toast to the forefathers of today`s whisky makers, bringing back the true dimension of olden days Single Malt whisky

Tasting notes

Color: Rich gold Palate: Intense fruity flavours; buttery and creamy with a syrupy fruit sweetness; soft on the palate with a rich chocolate orange-like note Nose Full flavours, slightly smoky with red apples and a fine sherry character Finish: Long mouth-warming feeling and mellowness; slightly peaty with a honey and spicy aftertaste

Rating

Ultimate Beverage Challenge 97 points (Mar 2011) Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2011 Chairman’s Trophy. Big-hearted aromas include marzipan, malt, sawdust and brown butter; lush, long tastes of sherry, dark honey and tpasted malt make for memorable drinking.