Aberlour 12: the start of our whisky discovery journey

What better way to kick off this journey of rediscovery than by celebrating my everyday favourite? Since it replaced the 10 year old expression in 2020, Aberlour 12 year old has firmly established itself as one of the quintessential Speyside whiskies, and it has a special place in my heart. As of the time of writing, it's readily available and offers exceptional value, typically priced between £30-40, making it an irresistible choice for both connoisseurs and newcomers.

Bottle

Let’s start with the bottle itself. I think this is one of the most beautiful styles of whisky bottle I’ve seen. The embossed lettering on the glass speaks to the illustrious 140-year history of the Aberlour distillery. Yet, it manages to strike the perfect balance between honouring tradition and exuding a contemporary, elegant aesthetic. Every time I pick up this bottle, it fills me with a sense of joy and anticipation. Each one proudly bears the signature of the master distiller, and the deliberate use of a small label and ample clear glass pays homage to the distillery's founder, James Fleming, and his enduring motto: 'Let the deed show.'

Colour

The colour is often described as ‘Aberlour Gold’ and in my opinion is the definitive colour of a Scottish whisky. The colour of whisky can vary significantly from one distillery and expression to another (read more on that here), but Aberlour 12 confidently occupies the middle ground. It boasts a rich and inviting colour without being dark.

Nose - This mellow single malt is aged in a combination of traditional oak casks and seasoned sherry butts which reveals a rich, fruity aroma with a distinct hint of apple. I love the light, refreshing citrus notes that are also easily detectable, and finally a hint of oakiness from the double cask expression. The nose of this risky is not strong (at least compared to some other whiskies) but it is certainly delightful.

Palate - The flavour derived from the sherry butts really shines through here. Sweet and smooth, the fruitiness continues in the flavour but is backed up with some warm spiciness resembling the sweetness of a fruitcake.

Finish - The finish is long and satisfying. As the flavours slowly fade you’ll experience a gentle, lingering warmth that reminds you of its Speyside heritage. The hints of dried fruits and subtle spices leave a lasting impression, making each sip a memorable one.

Overall

This is not a complex whisky by any means but it is so easy to drink at 40% abv. It is a multi award-winning expression that will satisfy nearly every whisky drinker. There is no one I would not recommend this to.

Available from Master of Malt for around £40, or check price and availability at Amazon