I’ve become curious about whisky, a little bit excited even. I don’t really drink alcoholic beer anymore, or anything else with alcohol for that matter. But I like the idea of the odd dram along to a good conversation or just to accompany my thoughts every now and then.
The past month I’ve tried a few: Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt (quite liked it), Bulleit Bourbon Frontier Whiskey (did not enjoy, too much moonshine vibes), and Macallan Double Cask 12 year old (very smooth, felt like a basic good experience).
On the weekend I got my first bottle, Aberlour 12 Year, for a good price. Here are my notes, feel free to smile at the naivete of a novice!
On the nose: dried plum and apricot marmelade, a hint of a Lapland log cottage
Palate: wood-sorrel on the sides, dark roast in the middle, a smooth ride like gliding down a children’s waterslide
Finish: a little hint of a flower bouquet, and a grounding pine bark
Overall: felt balanced, even easy. Tried it first neat and then with a splash of water. Nothing mindblowing, just a pleasant experience, which still felt like it has more to say the next time.
I’ve read some basic guides, but recommendations and tips are welcome! I’m already looking for glasses with a narrower opening. Next I want to at least try a local Finnish rye whisky.
Bulliet isn’t too bad in an old fashioned, if that’s your thing, but I don’t like it neat either. If you like the idea of a bourbon and it’s sweeter caramel notes, it might be worth trying Weller, Four Roses, or Michters if you can find any of them.
If you like those single malts, there are so many directions you could go. The honey notes in Speyside/Highlands scotches (like Macallan and Glenmorangie) are enjoyable and I know some enjoy the smoky peat forward ones from Islay, like a Lagavulin.
Your post and tasting notes inspired me to break out the Aberlour A’Bunadh I was gifted that’s been collecting dust in my liquor cabinet. Cheers!
Cheers! I appreciate the recommendations, thank you. I definitely want to get a feel for the basic varieties of bourbon, Speyside and Islay. And actually the peat smoke intrigues me, last I tried one I was really only a kid but I remember being excited about the complexity and intensity of the taste.
How do you like the A’Bunadh? “Cask-strength” sounds a bit intimidating to be honest.
I like it, but if I’m drinking scotch, I usually go for my Glenmorangies or Glenlivet 18, which are a bit lighter all around.
The A’Bunadh is very similar to the Aberlour 12, but spicier and more boozy. The fruitier notes of the 12 you mentioned give way to darker, more complex flavors. It’s also got a long lasting, peppery finish that reminds me a bit of a rye.
Once you get past the tingle from the strength, it’s got a flavor that’s a bit like a spiced fruit cake, and the sherry comes through. It’s definitely strong but if you liked the Aberlour 12 and want to try a more intense version of it, you might enjoy this one too!
Sounds serious, I hope to try it out sometime!
If you’re looking for glasses, the standard one for whiskey is the glencairn
Thanks! There are plenty of liquour glasses in my local used ware shops, I’ll look for something like that.
