Aberlour Double Sherry Cask Finish 18 Year Old Batch No. 001 Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

A one-off shipment of the first release of this super sherry bomb.

For anyone seeking a big sherry hit, Aberlour's Double Sherry Cask will deliver. Deeper in colour than the standard issue 18YO, it's first matured in American and European oak then racked off for a final finishing in Pedro Ximenéz and Oloroso sherry casks. It makes the final result wonderfully balanced with fruity nuances. Significant age adds body and develops the distinctive fruitiness to a richly raisined climax. Batch 001, so if it sounds like your thing, jump on it before the collectors do. 43% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... This one's very new and looks like the finishing craze stroke again. I tried the earlier 18 only in January this year but liked it a lot (WF 86) even if it was wounded by some original sin as they had done it at 50cl. This new one, at 70cl, has been finished twice, although I couldn't tell you whether that was simultaneously or successively. Classic set-up anyway, PX + oloroso. Colour: amber with orange hues. Orange hues suggest spirit caramel but I doubt they would have done that here. Nose: gentle, with more sherry than in the white oak, naturally. Although the vast majority of sherry casks are white oak too, it has to be said. Some cognac, many raisins, bags of dried goji berries, figs and dates, a little orange juice, zwetschke tart, clootie dumpling, treacle toffee pudding… Very clean, absolutely lovely, but as we all know, with these profiles it'll happen – or not - on the palate. Mouth: so easy. Aberlour's fruitiness, more zwetschke, preserved peaches in abundance, blood oranges, apricots, raisins, chocolate liqueur, fudge, a touch of lemon to keep it fresh and lively… Finish: medium, citrusy, fresher and brighter. Allegro. Millionaire shortbread in the aftertaste. Comments: this one's extremely dangerous. Never pour more than 2cl in your glass at any time, and never refill before your (or your guests') glass is totally empty, or you won't control anything. 87 points - whiskyfun.com