Last Updated on: 26th April 2024, 05:26 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 best way of drinking Aberlour 12: Ideas for tasting, pairing, and enjoying this sherry-cask Scotch.
Written by: J Highland
Key Takeaways
- Scotch expert Neil Coleman suggests drinking neat adding a dash of water.
- The Glencairn glass enhances the tasting experience.
- Flavor notes include raisin, baking spice, and charred oak.
- Cocktail recipes and food pairings are recommended.
- 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.
Best Way to Drink Aberlour 12
“Aberlour 12 is best enjoyed neat at room temperature, adding a dash of water. “, mentions whisky expert, Neil Coleman.
This smooth single-malt Scotch, balances flavor and value well.
It’s perfect for regular enjoyment, suitable for all levels of whisky enthusiasts.
Though not the most complex, it provides a pleasing drinking experience without disappointments.
Moreover, Aberlour 12’s appealing bottle design adds nostalgia and style to your collection.
Adding Water
Care is paramount when adding water to the Aberlour 12.
Being bottled at the standard 80-proof (40% ABV), adding too much water can drown its flavors turning it into a dull sip.
Water addition is a subjective art, as whiskies vary in character.
Start by nosing Aberlour’s aroma, sip it undiluted, gauge your enjoyment, and if inclined, delicately introduce water until you find your personal flavor sweet spot.
Adding Ice
For those with a penchant for colder beverages, consider large ice cubes to chill the whisky without unduly watering down its taste.
Alternatively, whiskey stones present an option for chilling without dilution, retaining Aberlour 12’s essence.
Choosing the Ideal Glass
For Aberlour 12, both the Glencairn and traditional whiskey rocks glasses are fitting.
These glasses heighten the malt’s aromatic nuances, facilitating an unparalleled tasting journey.
Tasting Notes
Aberlour 12’s aroma is delightful, featuring prominent notes of raisin, baking spice, and charred oak.
When sipped, it surprises with a richer texture than its low proof implies, providing a pleasing mouthfeel.
The initial spiciness on the palate is nicely balanced, accompanied by flavors of caramel, nutmeg, and charred oak.
The finish is gratifying, revealing hints of bitter chocolate, cinnamon, and a lingering note of charred oak.
Aberlour 12 in Cocktails
While I personally lean towards enjoying Aberlour 12 in its pure form, those adventurous at heart can experiment with:
- Aberlour Sour: Scotch, lemon juice, simple syrup, and a cherry garnish.
- Sherry Casked Old Fashioned: Scotch, a sugar cube, a few dashes of bitters, and an orange twist.
- Highland Cobbler: Scotch, sherry, fresh orange, and lemon slices, topped with soda.
Food Pairings
Enhance your Aberlour 12 tasting with:
- Blue Cheese: Enhancing its rich, fruity character.
- Walnuts: Complementing its oaky nuances.
- Venison with a berry reduction: Echoing its fruity and spicy undertones.
- Chocolate Fondue: The sweetness harmonizes with Aberlour’s dried fruit notes.
Diverse pairings await, given Aberlour 12’s rich profile.
Storing the Bottle
To maintain Aberlour 12’s vibrant character:
- Upright storage is key.
- Avoid direct sun exposure.
- Store in a cool, shaded area.
- With dwindling levels, it’s wise to relish the remaining drops to experience its unadulterated essence.
About Aberlour 12
Aberlour 12 is a Double Cask Matured Single Malt Scotch Whisky, benefitting from both traditional oak and sherry oak casks.
This double maturation method imbues it with a rich complexity.
Aberlour, with its storied history, has been perfecting its craft since its inception in 1826.