Distiller: Aberlour. Region: Highlands. ABV: 60.7% (varies slightly by batch). Price: $65-80.
Looking for your go-to sherry bomb? Look no further.
Aberlour A’bunadh (pronounced ah-boon-AR, means “origin”) is a powerhouse cask-strength dram at a fair price. There’s batch-to-batch variation, naturally, so Google a bit to make sure you’re getting a good one. And there are plenty of good ones.
This one, the Batch 47, was a masterpiece.
It has a big nose of stewed prunes, French Roast coffee beans, molasses, and spice, especially allspice and clove. All these carry through to the palate, revolving around a rich, malty core. There are more stewed sherry fruits–apple, peach, and fig. Somehow it still maintains balance–and starting at a huge 60.7% ABV, it will take as much water as you’ll give it. Long spicy finish.
Love the Glenfarclas 105? Dreaming of the long-gone Macallan Cask Strength? Then the A’Bunadh is a can’t-miss.
Cheers, friends! – BO
Absolutely one of my favourite!
Hard to beat for the price…cheers!