Aberlour 12 Review | Double Cask Matured

Aberlour 12 | Tasting Notes

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• Nose: Vanilla, butterscotch, caramel
• Pallet: Vanilla, toffee, banana
• Finish: Short, sweet, vanilla

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Sometimes, the best way to evaluate a whisky is over a friendly game of chess. That’s exactly how I approached this review of Aberlour 12 Year Old Double Cask Matured – a dram that proved to be as strategic and layered as the game itself.

Picture this: A quiet evening, a weathered chess board, and two glasses of honeyed-amber liquid catching the warm lamplight. My opponent had just made their opening move – the classic King’s Pawn – as I raised the Aberlour to my nose for the first time.

First Impressions and Presentation

“Your move,” my friend said, but I was already deep in another game – this one between the bourbon and sherry casks that shaped this Speyside single malt. At 40% ABV, Aberlour 12 presents itself as approachable as a well-planned opening gambit, but like any good chess strategy, there’s more complexity hiding beneath the surface.

The Nose: A Symphony of Fruits and Honey

As I contemplated my response to the King’s Pawn, I noticed how the whisky’s aroma developed in the glass. Just as a chess game unfolds in layers, so too did the Aberlour’s bouquet.

The opening moves brought fresh red apples and ripe plums – bright, fruity, inviting. Mid-game complexities emerged with waves of honey sweetness, accompanied by dried figs and subtle vanilla notes. A hint of citrus brightness kept things interesting, much like a well-timed knight fork that adds unexpected complexity to the board.

The Palate: Where Two Worlds Collide

Taking my first sip, I finally moved my knight – a defensive response that matched the measured balance of the whisky in my glass. Here’s where Aberlour’s double cask maturation really demonstrates its mastery, presenting:

• Sweet, juicy blackberries
• Rich honey drizzled over warm toast
• Plump raisins bursting with flavor
• Smooth vanilla cream
• A subtle nutty character reminiscent of fresh cashews

“Check,” my opponent declared, just as I was noting how the mouthfeel, while not as robust as some cask-strength offerings, delivers an elegance that makes this whisky as approachable as a well-explained chess strategy.

The Finish: A Warm Embrace

The finish lingered warm and sweet, like the satisfaction of capturing a crucial piece. Sweet fruit notes danced with gentle spices in a finale that, while not the longest, kept drawing me back for another sip between moves.

The Magic Behind the Scenes: Production

As our game progressed into the endgame, I contemplated the craftsmanship behind this dram. Like chess, whisky-making is a game of precision and patience. At the foot of Ben Rinnes, pure spring water meets local barley, but the real strategy plays out in the casks:

1. First, the spirit develops in American oak ex-bourbon barrels, gaining vanilla and sweet notes
2. Then, like a well-timed piece swap, it transfers to Spanish Sherry butts, where it gains depth and dark fruit characteristics

Value Proposition and Final Thoughts

“Checkmate,” my friend finally declared, just as I was reaching my conclusion about the Aberlour 12. Like a well-played chess game, this whisky might not be the most complex you’ll encounter, but it offers a remarkably balanced and enjoyable experience that punches above its weight class.

Think of it as the perfect “teaching whisky” – sophisticated enough to please experienced palates while remaining as approachable as learning the basic chess moves.

Best Enjoyed:

• Over a friendly game of chess
• With a few drops of water to open up the sherried notes
• Paired with dark chocolate or dried fruits

Perfect For:

• Those exploring sherried whiskies for the first time
• Casual weeknight sipping
• Strategic contemplation

Rating: 86/100

Like a well-played chess match, Aberlour 12 demonstrates that excellence isn’t always about flashy moves – sometimes it’s about finding the perfect balance between technique and accessibility. We chose Aberlour 12 as our “Best Value” pick in our Best Whisky Under £50 guide.

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