Aberlour A’bunadh vs GlenDronach 15: Which Wins?

Discover the differences between Aberlour A’bunadh vs GlenDronach 15 in this in-depth comparison and decide which Single Malt is better for You!

Aberlour A’bunadh

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 12

The nose brings a strong caramel note, followed by brown sugar, fig and a touch of oak. There is a bit of alcohol on the nose, but quite light for something bottled at such proof.

On the palate, this malt displays a creamy body providing a good mouthfeel. The first sip brings the warming note you should expect from the high proof but is not harsh.

Flavor brings a warm peppery hit at first, followed by dark chocolate, caramel and baking spice.

The finish is long and pleasantly warm, rich in oak spice and baking spice.

Adding water tames the whisky making it more approachable.

This whisky is not for the faint at heart but definitely something that serious aficionados should be adding to the cabinet; particularly whiskey drinkers as the Aberlour A’bunadh is rich in bourbon-like notes.

The Aberlour A’bunadh is a top-notch pour and one of the best Single Malts under $100 providing great value.

Aberlour A’bunadh facts:

• A’Bunadh [a-BOON-arh] means “original” in Gaelic. This malt is a replica of the whiskies produced by ABerlour back in the late 19th century.

• This whisky has no age statement but is matured exclusively in Spanish oloroso sherry casks and it’s bottled at cask strength providing a bold and flavorful experience.

• The distillery was founded in 1879 by James Fleming, his motto was ‘Let the deed show.’

• The distillery is located in Aberlour, Strathspey at the confluence of the Lour Burn and River Spey near Ben Rinnes.

• In 1975 Aberlour was acquired by Pernod Ricard, a French drinks giant who owns a wide range of spirits in every category including Chivas Regal and Glenlivet.

GlenDronach Revival 15

Nose	Alcohol, figs, cookie dough, tobacco
Palate	Apple, pear, berries, tobacco, coffee
Finish	Medium, figs, clove, oak
Alcohol content	92 proof (46% ABV)
How to drink	Add water
Similar to	GlenDronach 12

The nose hits with a bit of alcohol that swiftly fades as you let it breathe. Notes of figs, cookie dough and tobacco pop-up providing a nice aroma.

On the palate, the GlenDronach lacks just a bit in body without being thin. First sip brings a light warming note.

Flavor has hints of apple, pear and berries at first, followed by tobacco and espresso coffee.

The finish has a medium to long length, with notes of figs, clove and just a whiff of oak spice. It brings very little heat on the way down.

The GlenDronach 15 is an easy drinker with just a bit of alcohol on the nose, I would like like it to have more body but overall it delivers a good experience.

Priced just a few dollars above the $100 mark providing good value for those who want a quality sherried whisky.

GlenDronach 15 facts:

• The 15 Year was discontinued in 2015 but made a comeback in 2018, hence the name Revival.

• Aged in Spanish oak ex-oloroso sherry and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks for 15 years.

• Bottled without chill-filtration or added caramel-coloring providing a legit experience.

• GlenDronach is owned by US-based Brown Forman (Jack Daniel’s, Old Forester).

Aberlour A’bunadh vs GlenDronach 15: Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Whisky	Price
Aberlour A’bunadh	$92
GlenDronach 15	$105

Aberlour A’bunadh vs GlenDronach 15: Which is better?

Whiskey	Aberlour A’bunadh	GlenDronach 15
Nose	✅
Body	✅
Palate	✅	✅
Finish	✅	✅
Value	✅	✅

• I’m biased in favour of the A’Bunadh as I’m particularly fond of high poof drams.

• If you like a whisky full of character, incredibly tasty, with some of the heat you expect from something bottled at 60% ABV but that is not harsh this is for you.

• If you are a bourbon drinker you are more likely to like the Aberlour as its tasting notes are similar.

• If you prefer a smooth and sweet sherried Scotch, with a not shabby 46% ABV, the GlenDronach 15 is your better choice.

But are quite good, so choose your warrior according to your preferences.