Aberlour 18 year old

Profile: Aberlour 18 year old at a glance

• Double Gold Winner at the International Spirits Challenge 2021
• Double Gold Winner at the International Spirits Challenge 2020
• Double Gold Winner at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2016
• Gold Winner – The Scotch Whisky Masters, The Spirits Business 2015
• Note: The Batch number may vary

Portrait: What makes the Aberlour 18 year old special

Aberlour 18 year old is a single malt whisky from the heart of Scotland’s Speyside region—an area where whisky is as much a part of life as rain is to Scottish weather. The Aberlour brand boasts a long tradition: the distillery was founded by James Fleming in 1879 and is situated on the banks of the small River Lour. The name Aberlour roughly translates to “Mouth of the Lour”—a highly poetic name for a place where serious distilling has been taking place for generations.

However, it is not just the age of the Aberlour 18 year old that is remarkable. The single malt spends a full 18 years in various casks, giving it more than enough time to reflect on the important things in life. It begins its maturation in classic ex-bourbon casks. This is followed by a double-cask maturation process utilizing selected first-fill Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks.

At Aberlour, this second maturation phase is no mere footnote; it is a vital part of the concept. The Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez casks draw on Spain’s sherry-making heritage, lending the whisky added character. The casks are chosen with great care—after all, an 18-year-old single malt should not simply be old; it should also have a story to tell.

The result is a whisky that impressively demonstrates what happens when time, craftsmanship, and carefully selected casks come together.
Aberlour relies on traditional production methods and a maturation process that refuses to be rushed. After all, 18 years is a long time—so there is no need to hurry.

The Aberlour 18 year old is thus a fine example of Scottish whisky tradition, embodying a true sense of patience. Or, to put it another way: some things simply don't get better when done faster. This is especially true for whisky.

Tasting Notes: This is how the Aberlour 18 year old tastes like

• Nose: Intense notes of juicy raisins and spicy liquorice. The influence of the Pedro Ximénez sherry casks is clearly evident.
• Palate: Mouth-filling and rich. Flavors of ripe apricots and chocolate-coated raisins take center stage, with a hint of grated nutmeg in the background.
• Finish: Long, intense, and full-bodied. A distinct, syrupy sweetness lingers on the palate.