Saturday 5 January 2019

Side by side: Aberlour 12yo & 16yo

Rather than review drams by themselves I'm doing a little series comparing some 'side by side'.
There may be two or more, they may be from the same or different distilleries, similar ages, ABVs and types or not as I decide!

This time we are reviewing two drams from @AberlourVC distillery, their 12yo and 16yo, what difference does the extra 4 years give us?




Dram Aberlour 12yo Aberlour 16yo
Characteristics 40% ABV, coloured, chillfiltered (unless you get the white tubed bottle which is NCF) 43% ABV, coloured, chillfiltered
Distillery info The 12 year-old expression is a fine example of how the distinctively crisp, citrus character of Aberlour's raw spirit is deftly softened by double cask maturation. Traditional Oak and seasoned Sherry butts are both used to great effect, as the mellowed spirits within are combined to deliver a subtly balanced flavour.

Nose: Soft and rounded with fruity notes of red apple.
Palate: A fine Sherried character, fruity aromas balanced with rich chocolate.
Finish: Warm and lingering. Sweet and spicy.
With the depth and complexity that comes from being matured for 16 years in a combination of American Oak casks and the finest Sherry butts, this expression's warm and fruity notes are enriched by an engagingly spicy sweetness.

Nose: Rich scented floral and sweet raisin aromas with spicy nuttiness.
Palate: Smooth and full with sweet, floral and spicy flavours and notes of plum and gentle oak.
Finish: Long, warm, spicy fruitiness
My thoughts: 
Appearance

Coloured so no real point in describing it's lovely gold colour... swirls lead to slow thin tears.

Coloured so no real point in describing it's lovely gold colour... swirls lead to slow fat legs.
NoseAcetone initially then some honey and orchard fruit notes. Damp hay, porridge, honey.
Palate Sweet thick golden syrup, apples and  pears from the nose and a lovely ginger spice bite.Watery syrup arrival, very smooth, digestive biscuit, honey, gentle ginger spice.
Finish Slightly drying, sweet, warming and spicy.Slightly drying, spicy.
Overall The 16yo wins on the nose but the 12yo is a much better on palate and finish.

In the mouth the 12yo is much thicker, flavoursome and the ginger spice is much stronger.

The extra four years have made the 16yo's nose more complex and interesting but, to me, hasn't really added anything to the palate.

Many thanks to @GentlemanGrimm for the sample of the 16yo.

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