(Note: I changed the scores for the Aberlour slightly after a second and third taste. I did feel it was a tad aggressive so I marked it down a wee bit. Nevertheless this is still a great dram)
To continue on from yesterday's foray into the world of sherried wonders, SGwhisky presents to its readers a second 'head to head' review of a Sherried monster from Scotland, and another from Japan! I have to admit, the first one wasn't so much of a head to head as the Dailuaine was more of a proficient almost introductory sherry malt that is great, but the Yamazaki is a totally different monster altogether. Today's head-to-head however is on more equal ground! Presenting to one and all the Aberlour A'bunadh and Hanyu's Ichiro 7 of Hearts!
Name: Aberlour A'Bunadh Batch #34
Distillery: Aberlour (Speyside)
Type: Single Cask Single Malt Scotch
Age Statement: Nil
Alc/Vol: 59.5%
Working quietly in the shadows of much larger and more visible distilleries, Aberlour has slowly started to make its mark in the world of whisky. Boasting an impressive portfolio and not to mention a great distillery tour, Aberlour certainly has all the makings of a great distillery. But it is the whisky that is making the real waves that have made this brand one to watch. In fact, in recent years, connoisseurs have turned to Aberlour as the go-to distillery for a great sherry whisky, especially since Macallan is starting to release more Bourbon matured whisky (possibly pointing to a lack of supply of good sherry casks for maturation).
Leading the charge towards sherried whisky immortality for Aberlour is undoubtedly the Aberlour A'Bunadh. A single cask, cask strength expression released by batches by the distillery, its original release received rave reviews and has never looked back since. At roughly 35-40 pounds (S$80) a bottle, it is also a real steal, but unfortunately tax and lack of availability in Singapore means the price is a bit higher than a straightforward conversion. Nevertheless, the whisky has been so well received it has gone on to release numerous batches, with the newest being #35. This whisky is from batch #34.
Nose: A real fruit farm. Some fresh, some unripe, some stewed. Apples, grape, lemon, pineapple, mango, unripe banana, fresh fragrant pears. Dark chocolate. This is simply amazing. Close your eyes and inhale this medley of clean and clear flavours... (23)
Taste/Palate: Cinnamon, liquorice and pepper lead a real spicy kick, followed by a fresh fruit and creamy middle (almost like a nice fruit tart!) with notes of thick caramel. A tad aggressive though (21)
Finish: Mouthwatering and rich with notes of fresh barley (not too sure here but is very long lasting the sweetness), sweet cream and cooked apples. (22)
Overall: Beautiful stuff. Great in every way, but sadly the palate is a tad aggressive, the only negative in what is an otherwise fantastic dram. (22) 88/100
Found at: Quaich Bar
Name: Hanyu's Ichiro's Malt Card Series: 7 of Hearts
Distillery: Hanyu (Closed) (Japan)
Type: Single Cask Single Malt
Age Statement: Nil (But it is 17YO)
Vintage: 1990
Bottle No: 500/656
Alc/Vol: 54%
The Ichiro's Malt card series is released by the now closed Hanyu distillery. Using poker cards to differentiate each whisky, it has grown an almost cult status amongst followers and it is now a real collectors item. Some expressions (like the Ace of Spades) are now legendary, and are extremely hard to find!
Nose: Vanilla, toffee, and an amazing rich caramel of the highest quality. Raisins, berries, walnuts, chocolate cake. Amazing rich, clean and brilliant nose! (24)
Taste/Palate: Buttery and salty, oak and lovely rich malt and honey. With water more fruit and influences come to the fore with a note of bitter cocoa (21)
Finish: Tasty sweetness, slightly cerealy and sweet caramel. Ends a bit too quickly though (20)
Overall: Great nose but the rest seems to trail off a bit! Nevertheless one worth trying simply for the experience! (21) 86/100
Found at: The Auld Alliance
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