Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 01:08 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 Dalmore 15 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 Dalmore 15: Comparison
Aberlour 16: A smooth, well-balanced whisky with notes of honey, vanilla, caramel, and dried fruit, leading to a medium finish with caramel, oak, and sherry.
Dalmore 15: Offers subtle dried fruit and hazelnut on the nose, with a palate of raisins and baking spice but a short, somewhat bitter finish.
Verdict: Both Aberlour 16 and Dalmore 15 have their merits, catering to different tastes. Aberlour 16 stands out for its balance and smoothness, making it a solid choice for those who enjoy a sweet, rich profile. Dalmore 15 appeals to those preferring a sweet, sherry-forward character, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Sherry Cask Whisky Best Picks
Aberlour 18: 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: Lagavulin 16
Subtle & Inviting: Aberlour 18 opens with a gentle aroma of honey, vanilla, caramel, and dried fruit, offering a warm and inviting first impression.
Balanced & Easy-Drinking: The taste is a harmonious blend of caramel and fruity tones, complemented by delicate chocolate and oak spice, making it exceptionally smooth and effortless to sip.
Satisfying Finish: The finish lingers pleasantly with notes of caramel, oak spice, and a subtle touch of sherry.
Solidly Crafted: This whisky offers a well-crafted profile, flawlessly balanced and understated, making it an enjoyable and easygoing dram. While it might not be the most complex, it lacks flaws and showcases a solid foundation.
More Depth than 12-Year: Compared to the Aberlour 12-year expression, the 18-year variant boasts increased depth due to its higher alcohol content.
Relaxing Nightcap: This Aberlour is an excellent choice for those seeking a smooth and easy-drinking nightcap that doesn’t require careful contemplation.
Aberlour 18 Facts:
- Aged in both ex-bourbon barrels and oloroso sherry butts, contributing to its flavor profile.
- Awarded a Gold Medal at the World Whiskies Awards in 2017 and a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2017.
Dalmore 15: Easy-Drinking Sherry-Forward Speyside Malt
- Nose: Dried fruit, hazelnut, oak
- Palate: Raisins, baking spice, oak
- Finish: Short, oak spice, black pepper, dried fruit
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- Similar to: Dalmore 18
Subtle Nose: The Dalmore 15 presents a delicate nose with hints of dried fruit, hazelnut, and oak.
Thin Mouthfeel: While initially smooth, the palate feels thin and somewhat diluted, lacking body.
Sherry Influence: Flavor notes are dominated by raisins, complemented by touches of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a subtle oak spice.
Short Finish: The finish is brief, leaving a lingering bitterness from wood spice and a faint hint of dried fruit.
Dalmore 15 Facts:
- Aged in three types of sherry casks (Amoroso, Apostoles, Matusalem Oloroso) after initial maturation in ex-bourbon casks.
- Awarded 94 points in the 2019 Ultimate Spirits Challenge.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Aberlour 16 | $115 |
| Dalmore 15 | $130 |