Aberlour Double Sherry Cask Finish 18 Year Old Batch No. 005 Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

If the standard 12 year old has become a staple in your collection, you'll want to step up to the 18. It delivers extra richness and intensity due to a 'double sherry finish' featuring Spanish oak oloroso and Pedro Ximinéz sherry butts. Some tasters have said it exceeds the best reviews and easily knocks Macallan 18YO into second place. Basically, you get a better dram at half the price. Like other older sherry matured malts, we recommend letting it sit in the glass so that the leather and drying oak notes recede and the juicy apple and orange character comes to the fore. 43% Alc./vol.

Other reviews... I'm always a bit grumpy about colored and chill-filtered whiskies, but I have to admit, this one is pretty good, and the price is almost reasonable these days. Overall, a very solid vatting with some minor flaws. It's manageable... Sweet black cherries, tart black currants, and milk chocolate, all surprisingly pleasantly interwoven. Sweet from the sherry, spices tickle the palate, it becomes drier and subtle oak follows. - whiskybase.com

Gold / 96 points - International Wine & Spirits Competition