Aberfeldy 12 vs Aberlour 12: Head to Head!

Discover the differences between Aberfeldy 12 vs Aberlour 12 in this in-depth comparison and decide which Single Malt is better for You!

Aberfeldy 12

Nose	Honey, caramel, vanilla, pear
Palate	Caramel, apple, orange
Finish	Medium, oak spice, roasted nuts
Alcohol content	80 proof (40% ABV)
How to drink	Add water
Similar to	Glenfiddich 12, Black Label

The nose is subtle and sweet with hints of honey and caramel up-front, followed by vanilla and pear.

On the palate, the Aberfeldy 12 offers a creamy body providing a good mouthfeel.

Flavor is sweet and rich in caramel, with hints of apple, citrus and a fair amount of oak spice bringing balance to the sweetness.

There is a tiny tad of smoke that is barely noticeable.

The finish has a decent length, with a bit of a bite, but nothing extreme, with some oak spice to it and a roasted nuts hint.

Aberfeldy will not blow you away with strong flavors, remarkable and memorable tasting notes and is not something to get too excited over but it’s nevertheless an enjoyable dram; its price makes it interesting.

Overall, Aberfeldy 12 is a good introductory bottle to single malt whisky, it’s reasonably priced, well rounded with nothing outstanding yet nothing off-putting.

The best way of drinking the Aberfeldy is by adding a few drops of water, just a splash of water is enough to open-up the whisky releasing nice aromas while tuning-down warmth and spicy notes.

It offers an approachable flavor profile that stacks up well with better-known brands.

Aberfeldy 12 facts:

• Aberfeldy is aged in a combination of Sherry, Bourbon, re-fill and re-char casks.

• Gold medal at the 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

• Aberfeldy Distillery was founded by the John Dewar & Sons, Ltd. in 1896, is located on the eastern outskirts of Aberfeldy.

• The distillery is one of two single malt distilleries that comprise the Dewar’s as they are owned by the same parent company (Bacardi).

• Aberfeldy is a Highland Whisky. This region offers an enormous diversity of flavors and characters. From lighter whiskies all the way through salty coastal malts.

Aberlour 12 Double Cask

Nose	Raisins, baking spice, charred oak
Palate	Caramel, spice, nutmeg, charred oak
Finish	Chocolate, cinnamon, charred oak
Alcohol content	80 proof (40% ABV)
How to drink	Add water
Similar to	Balvenie 12, Oban 14

Nose is quite pleasing as it offers an aroma high in raisins, followed by baking spice and burnt oak.

On the palate, Aberlour 12 provides a good mouthfeel as it has a creamy body. First sip hits with spice, but nothing extreme, as you keep drinking it caramel pops-up, along hints of nutmeg and more charred oak.

The finish has a decent length, with a hint of bitter chocolate and cinnamon, along charred oak which is present from start to finish.

Adding a drop or two of water releases more caramel, although it also brings more charred oak.

Overall, Aberlour 12 is a solid whisky, rich in burnt oak but not overpowering, rich and sweet, smooth and gentle on the throat, making a good combination of easy going and yet interesting.

Something that I particularly like about this malt is the bottle design, that it’s not only unique but quite classy.

Aberlour 12 facts:

• Aged in a combination ex-bourbon barrels and ex-Oloroso sherry casks.

• The distillery was founded in 1879 by James Fleming, his motto was ‘Let the deed show.’

• The distillery is located in Aberlour, Strathspey at the confluence of the Lour Burn and River Spey near Ben Rinnes.

• In 1975 Aberlour was acquired by Pernod Ricard, a French drinks giant who owns a wide range of spirits in every category including Chivas Regal.

Aberfeldy 12 vs Aberlour 12: Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Whisky	Price
Aberfeldy 12	$45
Aberlour 12	$61

Aberfeldy 12 vs Aberlour 12: Which is better?

Aberlour is a more interesting Single Malt

Whiskey	Aberfeldy 12	Aberlour 12
Nose	✅	✅
Body	✅	✅
Palate		✅
Finish		✅
Value	✅	✅

• The Aberlour is a better whisky than the Aberfeldy as it is more tasty, interesting without being overly complex or harsh.

• Aberlour is an easy going whisky yet engaging making a solid “everyday drinker”.

• But I would not rush to dismiss the Aberfeldy which offers solid value for the money. Hence if you are drinking on a budget the Aberfeldy is a good option for you.

• As I mentioned, is not a whisky to get crazy about but there is nothing with it making good for price-conscious buyers in these uncertain times.

If you want to learn which are the best whiskies in this category read my post containing the Best Single Malts to Buy!