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Aberlour A’Bunadh Alba (Batch 003). Speyside, Scotland. ABV: 60.4%. Tasted at Whisky a Day HQ, $135 (bottle).
Aberlour A’Bunadh has developed a bit of a cult following over the years from fans who love their sherry bombs large and cask strength. The Aberlour A’Bunadh Alba is a new twist on the theme, in that it has been matured in first-fill ex-Bourbon casks bourbon casks instead of Aberlour’s traditional sherry cask program.
Colour: Australian gold.
Nose: Honey and fresh rose petals.
Palate: Dessert for days. It’s got the caramelised charred sugars and cream of a creme brûlée, then freshly baked apple crumble.
Finish: This is where it lets you know it’s cask strength and means business. Barley sugars and warm honey drizzled over pan-fried halloumi. Plenty of oaky tingle on the front of the tongue that keeps building.
Comments: Fans of the original Aberlour A’Bunadh will be intrigued to try it as a comparison, but for me while the Aberlour A’Bunadh Alba has its merits in isolation, it doesn’t quite have the same layered complexity of the original. It’s quite good, but not outstanding.