Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 05:52 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
In my thorough analysis, uncover distinctions between Aberlour 12 and Aberlour 14, and choose your preferred Single Malt.
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Aberlour 12 vs Aberlour 14: Comparison
Aberlour 12: A malt with a nose of raisins, baking spice, and charred oak. The palate blends caramel, spice, and nutmeg, leading to a finish with chocolate and cinnamon. Ideal with water, 40% ABV.
Aberlour 14: Opens with vanilla, apple, and plum aromas. The taste features apple, pear, and vanilla, with a finish that includes oak, plum, and tobacco. Best enjoyed with water, 40% ABV.
Verdict: Aberlour 12 offers a cozy blend of spices and sweetness, while Aberlour 14 delivers a fruitier, nuanced experience. Both embody craftsmanship, appealing to those who value depth and refinement, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: 14-Year Scotch Top Selections
Aberlour 12: A Rich and Smooth Speyside Dram
- 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: Glenlivet 12
Aroma: Aberlour 12 opens with a pleasant and inviting nose, dominated by rich raisin notes followed by hints of baking spice and a touch of burnt oak.
Taste: This Speyside single malt boasts a creamy texture, delivering a smooth and pleasant mouthfeel. The initial taste presents a gentle spice balanced by flavors of caramel, nutmeg, and touches of charred oak.
Finish: The finish has a decent length, offering lingering notes of dark chocolate, cinnamon, and a touch of oak. Adding a drop of water enhances the sweetness (caramel) but also amplifies the oak char.
Overall: Aberlour 12 offers a rich and sweet flavor profile without being overpowering in its oak influence. It delivers a smooth and balanced drinking experience, striking a pleasant note between complexity and easy-drinking. While not extraordinary, it provides a compelling experience at a reasonable price point for a 12-year-old whisky. The unique and classy bottle design adds another layer to its appeal.
Key points:
- Aged in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-Oloroso sherry casks
Additional notes:
- Known for its creamy texture, rich and balanced flavors, and decent finish.
- A good choice for those seeking a smooth and enjoyable Speyside dram with a touch of sweetness and complexity, at a fair price.
Aberlour 14: A Balanced Speyside Sherry Delight
- Nose: Vanilla, apple, plum, dates
- Palate: Apple, pear, vanilla, plum, dates
- Finish: Oak, plums, tobacco, clove
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Aberlour 16
Aroma: Aberlour 14 opens with a gentle nose, offering subtle notes of vanilla and apple, hinting at its sherry cask influence. Further exploration reveals additional fruity hints of plum and dates.
Taste: This Speyside single malt boasts a remarkably smooth and velvety texture on the palate. The flavor profile is characteristic of Aberlour, featuring a richness of apple and pear notes alongside a touch of delicate vanilla sweetness. As you savor the dram, subtle background notes of plum and dates emerge.
Finish: The Aberlour 14 presents a long and satisfying finish, leaving an aftertaste of oak, plums, tobacco, and clove.
Overall: This well-rounded whisky offers a delightful combination of fruitiness and sherry notes, achieving a harmonious balance of flavors. While not boasting any standout characteristics, it also avoids any significant shortcomings, delivering a consistently enjoyable drinking experience.
Key points:
- Aged in a combination of ex-oloroso sherry casks and first-fill American oak barrels
- Known for its smooth texture, balanced flavors, and long finish
Additional notes:
- A good choice for everyday sipping and a step up from younger Aberlour expressions due to its more refined and substantial profile.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Aberlour 12 | $65 |
| Aberlour 14 | $80 |