Aberlour A’Bunadh Olorosso Sherry cask

Distillery Background and History

Aberlour is a Speyside distillery founded in 1879 by James Fleming in Charlestown of Aberlour, Moray, Scotland. Built along the Lour Burn, the distillery is known for its rich, full-flavored whiskies and has strong ties to the traditions of sherry cask maturation. Over time Aberlour has become recognized for both its core aged expressions and its robust cask-strength releases.

Master Distiller and Production Philosophy

Aberlour’s master blending and maturation team emphasize maximal expression of sherry wood influence. A’Bunadh (meaning “the original” in Gaelic) is conceived as a homage to older style whiskies: released at cask strength, non-chill filtered, and matured exclusively in first-fill Oloroso sherry butts to deliver bold, intense flavor.

Source of Ingredients (Grain, Water, Yeast)

Made from 100 % malted barley, fermented with proprietary Speyside yeast strains. The water is drawn from the local springs and streams feeding the distillery, via the Lour Burn watershed, supplying soft but mineral-rich water contributing to Aberlour’s signature purity.

Distillation Process

Aberlour uses traditional copper pot stills with a double distillation regime. The stills are designed to provide reflux and retain aromatic congeners, favoring a malty, fruit forward, yet robust spirit suitable for heavy wood maturation.

Maturation & Cask Information

A’Bunadh is matured entirely in first-fill Oloroso sherry butts (Spanish oak). It receives no subsequent finishing in other barrels: the full maturation and aging are in those sherry casks. It is bottled at full cask strength and non-chill filtered, capturing the maximum expression of the wood and spirit interplay.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Deep, rich sherry character with dried fruits (raisins, figs), stewed cherry, spiced orange peel, brown sugar, and toasted oak.

Palate: Full, chewy, with dark chocolate, nutmeg, cinnamon, black cherry, dried fruit, and a lightly drying oak edge.

Finish: Long and warming, with lingering dried fruit, oak spice, dark chocolate, and mild dryness.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Pairs superbly with dark chocolate desserts, dried figs, mature sheep’s cheese, spiced lamb, game with fruit sauces, or Christmas cake or fruit cake.

Serving Suggestions and Ideal Glassware

Serve neat or with a few drops of water to unlock complexity. Use a Glencairn or tulip whisky glass to focus aromas. Ideal tasting temperature ~16–18 °C. Decant lightly if desired (10–15 minutes) to mellow aggressive wood notes.

Storage and Aging Potential

Once bottled, it is fully mature. Store upright, in a cool, stable environment away from light (~15-20 °C). After opening, consume within 1–2 years to preserve freshness and aromatic intensity.

Grain Type & Mash Bill

Single Malt (100 % malted barley)

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

Usually around 59–61 %, depending on batch (e.g. Batch 79 is 60.5 %)