Aberlour 12 Year Old Non Chill-Filtered

Description

Aberlour 12 Year Old Non Chill-Filtered Bottling Note

Hailing from the Speyside region, the Aberlour 12 Year Old Non Chill-Filtered single malt is produced by the celebrated Aberlour Distillery, which was established by James Fleming in 1879. This particular expression is an acclaimed variation of their core range, crafted specifically to appeal to those who seek a fuller, more traditional presentation of the Speyside style.

The whisky is matured for a minimum of twelve years, employing Aberlour’s classic double cask approach. It draws character from two distinct types of oak: ex-Bourbon barrels for vanilla sweetness and ex-Sherry butts for rich, dark fruit notes. Crucially, this bottling is presented without chill-filtration. This traditional process skips the final cooling and filtering stage, ensuring that the natural oils and fatty acids—which contribute significantly to the whisky’s body and flavour—remain intact.

Bottling the spirit at a higher strength of 48% ABV further enhances the complexity and richness that the non chill-filtered process preserves. This higher alcohol content ensures the whisky retains a creamy, satisfying mouthfeel and allows the interwoven influences of the bourbon and sherry casks to express themselves with intensity. It offers a profile that is notably rich, fruity, and spicy, providing a deeply rewarding experience that stays true to Aberlour’s heritage.

Aberlour 12 Year Old Non Chill-Filtered Tasting Note

Nose: Pronounced aromas of rich sherry and dried raisins dominate, underpinned by sweet vanilla and a distinct malty core. There is a greater depth here compared to the standard bottling, with warm baking spices like nutmeg and cinnamon emerging clearly.

Palate: The mouthfeel is noticeably viscous and oily. Intense flavours of dark chocolate, chewy toffee, and candied orange peel are present. The higher 48 percent ABV provides a pleasant, warming intensity that carries the deep, fruity sherry notes effectively.

Finish: Long, rich, and warming. It fades slowly, leaving a lasting impression of sweet oak, ground pepper, and residual dark fruit sweetness. The non chill-filtration ensures a continuous, textural warmth.

Overall: A robust and flavour-forward expression that significantly benefits from both the higher ABV and the non chill-filtered presentation. It delivers a traditional, heavy Speyside style with complexity and excellent texture.