Aberlour 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 500ml

A whisky many consider to be the ultimate expression from this distillery. Quintessentially Speyside, the self-proclaimed flagship was (until relatively recently) reserved exclusively for the French market (the French drink more single malt than the Scots, hence, the best stocks were selected.) Described as "the richest and most indulgent Aberlour", it is invariably a house favourite for both beginners and seasoned malt lovers. No surprise that it was runner up for Best Single Malt Scotch (18 Years) at the 2015 International Whisky Competition.

One of the more impressive age-statement buys in Sherried malt to come our way in years.

Tasting note: Deep copper to amber-gold. Very classy on the nose, and finely harmonsied; orange zest and raisins juxtaposed with sweeter depths - in particular, vanilla cream and some lovely fruit'n'nut chocolate sherried threads. Likewise the honeyed-malt delivery; light and graceful on entry but building with dried fruits, tea biscuits, cocoa and hints of orange peel. Oily, warming and long through the aftertaste. Once again, very classy, even approaching Macallan 18 in terms of texture and style (the 100% Sherry bottling). This is slightly firmer and drier, but nearly as polished, and with a finish that just feels 'expensive'. 43% Alc./Vol.