ABERLOUR - 16 years - 43%
Aberlour 16 Year Old (43% vol.) is a Speyside Single Malt rooted in the village of Aberlour, whose Gaelic name evokes the "mouth of the babbling brook." Founded in 1879 by James Fleming and rebuilt after the 1898 fire by architect Charles Doig, the distillery draws on spring water flowing down the granite slopes of Ben Rinnes. Its precise and generous style is born from careful distillation and rigorous blending where only the heart of the distillate is retained before being put into casks.
This 16-year-old vintage owes its identity to a double maturation : on one side, American oak barrels that contained Bourbon for the vanilla sweetness and malty roundness; on the other, barrels that held Sherry , which bring dried fruits, spices and depth. Bottled at 43% , unpeated , Aberlour 16 elegantly combines the delicacy of Speyside and a measured oakiness that marks its maturation.
Upon tasting, the amber color announces an expressive nose of honey , vanilla , baked apple and candied orange , underlined by notes of hazelnut , toffee and a touch of sweet spices . The palate is ample and silky: the malt intertwines with light caramel, milk chocolate and dried fruits , while the sherry brings relief (cinnamon, sultana raisin) and the bourbon stretches the texture. The finish , long and harmonious, remains slightly woody , on walnut, vanilla and a hint of citrus peel.
Serve it neat, or with a few drops of water to open up the aromas. It pairs perfectly with a tarte Tatin , a 65–70% dark chocolate , or a creamy blue cheese for a sweet and savory pairing. A classic and accomplished Aberlour 16 Year Old , which perfectly encapsulates the richness and balance of Speyside single malts.
