Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 12:49 am
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.
Explore the distinctions between Aberlour 16 and Aberlour 18 in this comprehensive comparison and determine which Single Malt suits your preferences best!
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 16 vs Aberlour 18: Comparison
Aberlour 16: Speyside single malt with honey, vanilla, and caramel on the nose. Offers caramel and fruit on the palate, ending with a medium finish of caramel, oak, and sherry. Drinks well with water.
Aberlour 18: Sweet Speyside single malt with aromas of caramel, honey, and raisin. Palate blends apple, orange, and chocolate, finishing with caramel, oak, and sherry. Best enjoyed with water.
Verdict: Aberlour 16 shines for those seeking smoothness and balance, making it a versatile companion. Aberlour 18, with its added complexity and subtle warmth, caters to enthusiasts craving depth in their dram, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Best Speyside Single Malts
Aberlour 16: A Smooth and Balanced Speyside Single Malt
- Nose: Honey, vanilla, caramel, dried fruit
- Palate: Caramel, ripe fruit, chocolate
- Finish: Medium, caramel, oak, sherry
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Aberlour A’bunadh
The Aberlour 16 year old is a Speyside single malt Scotch whisky known for its pleasant and approachable taste. Its aroma is a delightful mix of honey, vanilla, caramel, and dried fruit, offering a hint of sweetness upfront.
On the palate, the sweetness continues with caramel flavors alongside a harmonious blend of fruity notes. Hints of chocolate and subtle oak spice add complexity to this well-balanced dram. The finish is satisfying and lingers pleasantly, showcasing lingering caramel, oak spice, and a touch of sherry.
A Speyside Whisky for Everyday Enjoyment
While not the most intricate whisky, the Aberlour 16 is a solid choice for those who appreciate a smooth and easy-drinking experience. Compared to the Aberlour 12, it offers a more robust and nuanced flavor profile, making it a great nightcap.
Here are some additional facts about Aberlour 16:
- Aged in ex-bourbon barrels and Oloroso sherry casks
- Awarded Gold and Double Gold Medals at prestigious competitions
- Contains caramel coloring
- Produced by the Aberlour Distillery, founded in 1879
Aberlour 18: A Delightfully Sweet Speyside Single Malt
- Nose: Caramel, raisins, honey, vanilla
- Palate: Apple, orange, raisin, chocolate
- Finish: Medium, caramel, oak, sherry
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Macallan 18
The Aberlour 18 year old is a Speyside single malt Scotch whisky aged in a unique combination of bourbon barrels and sherry casks. This maturation process gives it a sweet and inviting aroma filled with caramel, honey, vanilla, and raisin.
On the palate, Aberlour 18 offers a fruity taste with hints of apple, orange, and raisin, complemented by subtle notes of chocolate, vanilla, and oak. The finish is moderately long, leaving a pleasant caramel, oak, and sherry aftertaste with a gentle warming sensation.
A Well-Balanced Speyside Dram
While some might find the body a bit lighter, Aberlour 18 delivers a well-balanced and enjoyable drinking experience. This 18-year-old Speyside whisky is a great choice for those who appreciate sweeter drams with a touch of warmth.
Here are some additional facts about Aberlour 18:
- Aged in ex-bourbon barrels and Oloroso sherry casks
- Contains caramel coloring
- Awarded Double Gold Medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2011 and 2012
- Scored 91 points from Whisky Advocate
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Aberlour 16 | $100 |
| Aberlour 18 | $160 |