05-12-2006, 02:28 PM
Mmmmmm. What a Scotch! I picked up a bottle of Aberlour's A'bunadh this week and couldn't resist having a taste last night. It's an imitation of the kind of whisky the founder might have created in 1879. It is a cask-strength whisky, which means it is in the 59.6% alcohol range. Since 1997 the strength has ranged from 59.6% to 60.2%. The A'bunadh doesn't come with an age statement. It is a single-malt, cask strength whisky. The master blender may use casks as young as 6 years in it, but typically is only using 8 to 15 year old casks.
But don't let any of the details distract you. The Aberlour A'bunadh stands out as an exceptionally rich and luxurious whisky. The first thing you'll notice is the dark red amber colour. I have to say that the color is a good indicator of the taste. It is creamy, smooth and pronounced. It has a caramel flavor to it that just sits on the back of your tongue, with some mintiness, almond, and a very light smokiness. Overall, I'd say that the A'bundah is to most scotch what barley-wine is to beer.
I imagine that this whisky will get at least second purchase from me, as I intend on introducing it to every Scotch drinking friend who visits my house.
But don't let any of the details distract you. The Aberlour A'bunadh stands out as an exceptionally rich and luxurious whisky. The first thing you'll notice is the dark red amber colour. I have to say that the color is a good indicator of the taste. It is creamy, smooth and pronounced. It has a caramel flavor to it that just sits on the back of your tongue, with some mintiness, almond, and a very light smokiness. Overall, I'd say that the A'bundah is to most scotch what barley-wine is to beer.
I imagine that this whisky will get at least second purchase from me, as I intend on introducing it to every Scotch drinking friend who visits my house.