Appearance

The Aberlour 15 Year Old Hand Filled Bourbon Cask pours quite light, approaching straw color. I would also compare it to a very light apple cider.

Aroma

The aroma is inviting. Vanilla, green melon, heather and some alcohol burn at the end of each nose.

Flavor

My initial few sips are sweet with spices to finish. As my palate acclimates, melon fruit comes through in the middle of the palate. Some general saltiness at the end of each sip develops. Halfway through the tasting, I am getting citrus with butterscotch underneath.

Balance

The initial balance is good, however as the tasting progresses the saltiness begins to dominate the profile.

Finish

Notes of long lingering spices and leather, hints of chocolate and vegetal notes. As the dram warms up more, I get some lingering cinnamon notes.

Overall

The Aberlour 15 Year Old Hand Filled Bourbon Cask was an enjoyable experience, and quite approachable. For a 15 year old whisky, I do expect more depth of flavors. The saltiness on the finish starts out as a great accent to the other flavors, but becomes more pronounced over time.

John McTavish

SCORE

6.42

Cost/Point

N/A

Scoring System

Personal Spirit Review: Aberlour 15 Year Old Hand Filled Bourbon Cask