With each batch specially crafted, Aberlour A’bunadh is a unique cask strength whisky that has achieved cult status among whisky connoisseurs. Meaning ‘the original’ in Gaelic, A’bunadh is made in homage to Aberlour’s founder, James Fleming, using only traditional methods. The Aberlour A’bunadh is an unusual Scotch whisky. While it carries no age statement, each bottle carries a unique batch number. It is released in limited-run batches ranging from one to as many as five per year, with the first batch released in 1997. The most recent release was batch No. 52, released in 2015. The whisky is a blend from barrels ranging from five to 25 years in age, and is bottled at cask strength..

The result is a heavier, creamier single malt than most have ever experienced – memorably flavoursome, with an intense raisin character.  Aberlour’s very popular A’Bunadh, matured in Spanish Oloroso Sherry butts and bottled at cask strength. These are always excellent as winter warmers and postprandial drams and bottled at natural cask strength. Love this series of bottling , love the nose and the way tasting makes my tastebuds come alive and then the velvet warmth as you swallow

ABV: 59.6%. Color: Dark amber. No chill filltration. No coloring added

Nose

It has a strong spirit note, ample proof that at 59.6% ABV. There are distinctive fruit notes, more cooked than dried, featuring peach, apricot, prune and especially golden raisins, as well as a hint of cherry. There are also notes of candied orange zest and bittersweet marmalade as well as sweet spice aromas of nutmeg, allspice and a bit of cinnamon, followed by hints of vanilla and then walnut. Distinctive sweet honey notes above a backdrop of waxiness and hints of furniture polish are clear throughout, typical of heavily sherried. Full bodied sherry, raisins, hint of orange and almonds with heavy slabs of milk chocolate, with touches of almond and Christmas cake.

Palate

the whisky has an overwhelming sherry note, what is sometimes referred to as a “sherry bomb.” The alcohol is pronounced, but not unduly harsh, and creates a not undesirable, progressively warming sensation in the mouth. There is a soft, oily creamy texture with the pronounced weight and mouth feel that would be expected from the combination of high alcohol and sherry sweetness. Intense dried fruit notes are turned up to 11, and are joined by dark chocolate truffle and herbaceous cigar box elements with raisins, oak, orange and spice notes

Finish

Very long. Subtle peppery hints hide underneath the Sherried peels and coffee bean notes. Long raisin and oak finish

Balance, Body & Feel

I like batch 55 just a tiny bit better. I was amazed, however, by how much difference there was in all three aspects above. I like the nose and finish on this batch better but the flavor palate on 55 makes it win for me, but by a hair. Just like that 2% better to me.