Aberlour 15 Double Cask Matured

A travel market release by Aberlour to complement the existing range of 12, 16, 18 year, and the A’bunadh expressions. The 15 Year Double Cask Matured is first aged for 14 years in ex-bourbon hogsheads and ex-sherry butts. After the maturation, the whisky is blended for its final 12 months finished in new Spanish Oloroso Sherry casks.

As a fan of the Aberlour variants, I happily picked this up from the duty-free store for less than $60USD (and got some cool glasses as a gift!). Overall, I was pretty pleased with this whisky, and it’s one of my go-to whiskies when I’m looking for something light and sweet to relax with. I do wish the ABV was a little higher on this one as I think it would bring out more of the orange-zest and introduce more complexity into the dram.

BOTTLE INFO

Distiller: Aberlour / Chivas Brothers Ltd.
Region: Speyside
ABV: 40%
Mashbill: 100% Malted Barley
Cask Type: Matured in ex-bourbon hogsheads and ex-sherry butts, finished in new Spanish Oloroso Sherry casks.
Age: 15 Years
Chill Filtered: Yes
Color Added: Yes
Color: Auburn / Polished Mahogany

TASTING NOTES

Glass for Review: Glencairn
Nose: Sherry, currants, raisins, and maple syrup
Palate: Vanilla complimented by nutty notes of almonds, honey raisins, with a touch sweetness
Finish: The palate extends to the finish with the vanilla and nutty almond notes. The finish is rounded off with oak and spiciness, drying with a zest of orange peel.
Overall: The 15 Double Cask matured has that distinct Aberlour taste, but still differentiates itself from the 12 and 18 year expressions. It’s not quite as great as the A’bunadh (but what is?). The overall sweetness and nutty flavor is pleasant, but not overly complex.

Average Price: $50-60USD