Aberlour a'bunadh Batch No. 085

Profile: The Aberlour a'bunadh Batch No. 085 at a glance

• Origins: "A'bunadh" is Gaelic for "of the origin"
• Natural: Bottled at cask strength without coloring or chill-filtration
• Sherry Cask Matured: Matured exclusively in former Oloroso sherry casks
• Traditional: The heavy bottle is reminiscent of historic apothecary vessels
• Limited Availability: A'bunadh is bottled in small batches

Portrait: What makes the Aberlour a'bunadh Batch No. 085 special

The Aberlour Distillery was born in Scotland's Speyside region in 1879. A lot has happened since then—kings came and went, telephones suddenly became portable, and people started photographing their cats for the internet. Yet, Aberlour remained true to its home and its craft.

Since the late 1980s, this distillery—steeped in tradition—has evolved into an internationally renowned whisky brand.

The bottle itself also fits this historic concept. Its heavy glass is reminiscent of old apothecary jars, and it is traditionally sealed with wax. Opening it almost gives the impression of liberating a closely guarded recipe from a Scottish archive—only without the need for a subsequent doctor’s visit.

Also of interest is the use of corks instead of the wooden bungs typically used during cask maturation. This is designed to ensure that evaporation during the aging process occurs more slowly and in a more controlled manner. Heavier flavor compounds, in particular, can escape as the whisky develops its balance over the years.

A'bunadh is considered the most primal and authentic expression of the Aberlour style. Batch No. 085 thus represents a bottling where tradition is not merely stated on the label but extends to the finest detail—including the wax seal. And, as everyone knows, that never hurts.

Tasting Notes: This is how the Aberlour a'bunadh Batch No. 085 tastes like

• Nose: On the nose, Aberlour a'bunadh Batch No. 085 presents itself as bold and full-bodied. Dark fruits such as raisins, dates, and plums meet orange peel, baked fruit, and a delicate hint of cinnamon spice. Sweet aromas of toffee, caramel, and dark chocolate join the mix. Subtle hints of roasted nuts and oak emerge in the background. With a little time in the glass, the aroma becomes increasingly complex and spicy.
• Palate: On the palate, a'bunadh Batch No. 085 starts off powerful and full-bodied. Dark fruits, dried fruits, and candied orange combine with toffee, chocolate, and warm spices. A subtle nuttiness complements the robust profile, while spicy oak notes add depth. Despite being bottled at cask strength, the whisky feels remarkably cohesive and balanced. A splash of water can help bring out individual nuances more clearly.
• Finish: The finish is long, warm, and exceptionally powerful. Dark fruits and chocolate remain present at first, before spicy oak, cinnamon, and roasted nuts increasingly come to the fore. The cask strength provides a pleasant warmth and adds extra impact to the finish. Towards the end, the impression becomes somewhat drier, with spice, wood, and a subtle dark sweetness lingering for quite some time.