Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 12:45 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.
Uncover the disparities between Aberlour 16 and A’bunadh in this detailed comparison and determine which Single Malt is the ideal fit for your taste!
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 A’bunadh: Comparison
Aberlour 16: Offers a nose of honey, vanilla, and caramel, complemented by a palate that includes caramel, ripe fruit, and chocolate, finishing with notes of caramel, oak, and a hint of sherry. It’s a smooth and well-balanced whisky, suitable for those seeking gentleness and subtlety in their dram.
Aberlour A’Bunadh: Known for its rich caramel, chocolate, and spice on the nose, with a palate of intense flavors including chocolate, caramel, and a robust peppery note, leading to a long finish of oak spice and baking spice. It’s a powerful and full-flavored whisky, perfect for enthusiasts looking for depth and intensity.
Verdict: The Aberlour A’Bunadh stands out for its cask strength intensity and rich sherry influence, offering an exceptional tasting experience for those who appreciate bold and flavorful whisky. While the Aberlour 16 is an excellent choice for its smoothness and balance, the A’Bunadh provides remarkable value and complexity for its price, making it a highly recommended option for those seeking a memorable dram, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: High-Proof Scotch Recommendations
Aberlour 16: A Speyside Single Malt for Easy Enjoyment
- 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 18
The Aberlour 16 Year Old is a Speyside single malt Scotch whisky known for its pleasant and approachable character.
Light & Inviting: The aroma offers a light and delightful introduction, featuring delicate hints of honey, vanilla, caramel, and dried fruit.
Subtle & Balanced: The first sip unfolds with a smooth and satisfying blend of caramel and fruit flavors, complemented by subtle notes of chocolate and a touch of oak spice. This creates a well-rounded and easy-drinking experience.
Lingering Warmth: The finish lingers pleasantly, leaving behind a satisfying aftertaste of caramel, oak spice, and a subtle hint of sherry, all with a gentle warming sensation.
A Crowd-Pleaser: This Aberlour expression is a great choice for those seeking a smooth and balanced Speyside dram. Its lack of overpowering elements makes it approachable for a wide range of palates.
Solid Choice: While it might not be the most complex whisky, the Aberlour 16 offers consistent quality and enjoyment. It’s a reliable option for those who appreciate a good Speyside dram without any surprises.
Award-Winning Whisky: The Aberlour 16 has received recognition from prestigious competitions, achieving a Gold Medal at the World Whiskies Awards in 2017 and a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in the same year.
Aberlour A’Bunadh: A Bold Speyside Single Malt for Sherry Lovers
- 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 Alba
The Aberlour A’Bunadh is a cask-strength, single malt Scotch whisky known for its rich sherry influence and powerful flavor profile.
Aromatic Powerhouse: The initial aroma is dominated by a strong caramel note, with hints of brown sugar, fig, and a subtle touch of oak adding complexity. Surprisingly, for a high-proof whisky, the alcohol scent is well-integrated and doesn’t overpower the other aromas.
Luxuriously Creamy: The first sip introduces a luxurious and creamy texture that coats the palate. While the high proof delivers a warming sensation, it remains smooth and avoids any harshness.
Bold & Spicy: The taste unfolds with a wave of warmth and peppery spice, followed by rich flavors of dark chocolate, decadent caramel, and an array of baking spices. This creates a captivating and full-bodied flavor experience.
Lingering Delight: The finish is long and warming, leaving behind a delightful aftertaste of oak and lingering baking spices. Each sip delivers a satisfying conclusion.
Aficionado’s Paradise: The A’Bunadh is not for the faint of heart. Its bold flavors cater to whisky enthusiasts who appreciate a powerful dram. The lack of an age statement signifies its focus on character over age.
Exceptional Value: This Speyside single malt offers exceptional value for under $100. The depth and complexity of flavor make it a fantastic choice for those seeking a robust and flavorful whisky to add to their collection.
Original Inspiration: A’Bunadh, meaning “original” in Gaelic, is a tribute to the whiskies Aberlour produced in the late 19th century. It’s matured exclusively in Spanish oloroso sherry casks, replicating those historical methods. This unique maturation process contributes significantly to the whisky’s rich and distinctive character.
Unfiltered & Award-Winning: The A’Bunadh is bottled unfiltered, preserving its full range of flavors for a more authentic taste. It has also received recognition from prestigious publications, earning the highest recommendation from Wine Enthusiast in 2011.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Aberlour 16 | $115 |
| Aberlour A’bunadh | $100 |