Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 01:34 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.
Discover the differences between Aberlour 12 vs Aberlour A’Bunadh in this in-depth comparison and decide which Single Malt is better for You!
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 A’bunadh: Comparison
Aberlour 12: Opens with honey, toffee, and vanilla, leading to a palate of caramel and apple. Finishes with spicy oak and roasted nuts. A harmonious blend of sweetness and spice.
Aberlour A’bunadh: Rich caramel and fig on the nose; dark chocolate and black pepper on the palate. Long finish with oak spice. Bold, intense, and complex.
Verdict: Aberlour 12 and Aberlour A’bunadh each offer a captivating exploration of Speyside’s rich whisky heritage. Aberlour 12 provides a smooth, balanced experience, perfect for those seeking a gentle introduction to the depth of Scotch whisky. Aberlour A’bunadh, with its high proof and rich flavor profile, caters to enthusiasts looking for a bold, immersive experience, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top Speyside Whiskies
Aberlour 12: A Symphony of Burnt Oak, Spice, and Richness
- Nose: Honey, toffee, vanilla, pear
- Palate: Caramel, apple, citrus
- Finish: Spicy oak, roasted nuts
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Highland Park 12
Dive into Delight: The Aberlour 12 opens with a captivating aroma, where plump raisins take center stage, followed by a chorus of warm baking spices and hints of oak char. It’s an invitation to a world of flavor.
Smooth & Balanced Palate: On the palate, the whisky surprises with its creamy texture and a gentle dance of spiciness. As you savor it, notes of caramel, nutmeg, and a touch of charred oak emerge, creating a balanced and intriguing experience.
Long & Satisfying Finish: The finale is long and memorable, leaving you with lingering hints of bitter chocolate, cinnamon, and a touch of oak char that lingers pleasantly.
Embrace the Water: While enjoyable neat, adding a splash of water can enhance the caramel notes, though it might also slightly magnify the charred oak. It’s a personal preference to explore!
Well-Rounded & Intriguing: Aberlour 12 strikes a beautiful balance between sweet, spicy, and oaky notes. It’s smooth and approachable, yet still complex enough to keep you interested.
Elegant Presentation: The bottle design itself adds a touch of class and uniqueness, making it a visually pleasing addition to your collection.
Whisky Heritage: Aged in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-Oloroso sherry casks, this dram reflects the rich history of Aberlour, a distillery founded in 1879.
More Than Just a Name: “Let the deed show,” was founder James Fleming’s motto, and Aberlour 12 certainly lives up to that with its impressive quality and craftsmanship.
Aberlour A’bunadh: A Bold & Flavorful Journey for Whisky Adventurers
- Nose: Caramel, brown sugar, fig, oak
- Palate: Chocolate, caramel, black pepper
- Finish: Long, oak spice, baking spice
- Alcohol content: 120 proof (60% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Aberlour A’bunadh Alba
Unleash the Caramel: Dive into a captivating aroma of rich caramel, brown sugar, and hints of fig, all gently balanced by a touch of oak. This whisky’s high proof doesn’t overpower the nose, instead offering a welcoming introduction.
Creamy & Warming: Embrace the luxurious mouthfeel as the whisky coats your palate with a creamy texture. Prepare for a warming sensation, but it’s far from harsh, thanks to the expert crafting.
Flavorful Unfolding: Get ready for a flavor explosion! A peppery kick ignites the palate, followed by waves of dark chocolate, rich caramel, and warming baking spices. It’s a symphony of taste that keeps you coming back for more.
Lingering Warmth: The finish is long and satisfying, leaving you with lingering notes of oak spice and those delightful baking spices. It’s a warm farewell that lingers pleasantly on the tongue.
Water’s Embrace: For those who prefer a gentler experience, a splash of water can mellow the intensity without compromising the flavor profile.
Aficionado’s Delight: This is not your everyday dram. Aberlour A’bunadh is a bold and flavorful journey, best enjoyed by seasoned whisky enthusiasts who appreciate its complexity.
Bourbon in Disguise: Forget typical Scotch! This whisky boasts bourbon-like characteristics, making it a unique and exciting addition to your collection.
Value Under $100: For the price, it’s a steal! If you’re seeking a powerful and flavorful whisky that won’t break the bank, A’bunadh delivers exceptional value.
Uncover the “Original”: A’Bunadh, meaning “original” in Gaelic, lives up to its name by offering a taste of Aberlour’s heritage. This is a whisky steeped in history and crafted for those who dare to explore.
Ready to embark on a bold and flavorful whisky adventure? Aberlour A’bunadh awaits.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Aberlour 12 | $53 |
| Aberlour A’Bunadh | $92 |