Aberlour 18 Year Open In The Bar...

After putting aside the corked bottle I intially opened (see previous post), I finally got back together with a whisky I had previously met a few months ago.  Our own Aberlour 18 Year Cask Strength Single Barrel bottling has finally hit the shelves and is available for pick up and purchase.  Getting to taste this whisky without any sherry influence is a rare treat and this bottle doesn't disappoint.  The nose is a soft blend of malted barley, vanilla, and stone fruit with more on the palate.  I really like this whisky because it simply tastes like good, old fashioned Scotch.  No sweet toffee from the sherry wood, no wine cask enhancements, and no peat.  Just the barley and the used barrel aging slowly for eighteen years.  This dram needs a bit of water to tame the 53% alcohol, but once you dillute it down to the right strength, you get an old school single malt from one of Scotland's most beloved distilleries.  I hope you like it as much as I do.

-David Driscoll