Aberlour a'bunadh Alba | Whisky Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: The whisky is from the Aberlour distillery.
Type: It is part of the Avanat series, specifically called Alba.
Distillation and Maturation Process: The whisky is un-chill filtered and uncolored, notably not matured in sherry casks, which is atypical for Aberlour.
Age Statement: No specific age statement is provided, but it is part of batch 5 of the series.
Color and Clarity: The whisky has a golden color, indicative of its maturation in white oak casks, as opposed to the mahogany or brownish color often seen in sherry cask-matured whiskies.
Bottle Design: The bottle design specifics are not detailed, but the reviewer mentions a tight seal between the top and the neck, indicating a secure closure.

Alcohol Content: High at 62.7% ABV, necessitating dilution for tasting.
Initial Impressions: Strong alcohol presence on the nose, with tropical fruits, sweet malt, and a significant vanilla aroma.
After Dilution: The addition of water reveals more intense tropical and exotic fruit notes, floral aromas, and a bouquet of fresh, fruity, colorful aromas.
Taste: Gentle on the tongue, slightly oily, with tropical fruit flavors persisting. The aftertaste is characterized by a distinct oakiness and spiciness from the white oak, without any bitterness.

Name Origin: "Alba" is a Latin/Etruscan word meaning "white," reflecting the use of white oak casks for maturation. This is distinct from the Gaelic origins of the distillery's other series.
Batch Information: This review covers batch 5 of the Aberlour a'bunadh Alba series, with the reviewer noting that he hadn't had the opportunity to taste it until now.

Language and History: The name "Alba" has Roman or pre-Roman origins, adding a layer of historical significance to the whisky. This contrasts with the Gaelic language typically associated with Scotch whisky.

"You feel the alcohol immediately on your nose."
"A bouquet of fresh, fruity, colorful aromas."
"Very well done. And this has the well, the reserve to dilute it to much more than a liter."

Aberlour a'bunadh Alba is a high-strength (62.7% ABV), un-chill filtered, and uncolored whisky, matured in white oak casks.
It features a golden color and a flavor profile rich in tropical fruits, sweet malt, vanilla, and a distinct oakiness without bitterness.
The name "Alba" reflects its maturation process and has historical significance, being a Latin/Etruscan word for "white."
The whisky offers a robust experience that can be diluted significantly, providing value and versatility for the consumer.
The review highlights the whisky's intense aroma and flavor profile, recommending dilution for optimal enjoyment.

For Whisky Enthusiasts: Those interested in exploring high-strength whiskies with complex flavor profiles and the ability to experiment with dilution.
For History and Culture Buffs: Individuals fascinated by the historical and linguistic aspects of whisky naming and maturation processes.
For Beginners: May be challenging due to its high alcohol content, but could be an interesting choice for those looking to explore beyond entry-level whiskies with guidance on dilution.