Aberlour 12 years un-chillfiltered 48°.

This single malt from the famous Speyside distillery has been aged in ex-sherry and ex-bourbon casks.

It has not been cold-filtered to preserve its aromas as much as possible.

Tasting notes from Thomas

The nose begins with caramel and café au lait. Next, apple cake continues the pastry exploration. The fruitiness then gradually evolves into amarena cherry clafoutis, complemented by marzipan. We have to wait a few minutes to perceive the malt but also the refreshing aspect of this nose. We detect pine needles and a hint of cardamom.

Dilution softens the whole. The pastry approach is strengthened (fruit and chocolate) while retaining a fresh aspect.

The dense texture on the palate takes us back to desserts. Chestnut cream, a little chocolate mousse, amarena cherries, apricots and candied oranges are all invitations to sweet delights. And yet, after this full-bodied opening, the spices arrive in full force: clove, pepper, star anise and cinnamon. Autumnal notes (dead leaves) and malt are also perceptible. The addition of water adds spices (pepper, cumin, cinnamon), menthol and pine needle notes.

The finish is sufficiently punchy. The candied orange has taken off, with hints of cherry, apple and chocolate. The whole is well balanced by the warmth of strong spices (pepper, clove). Finally, vegetation makes a comeback at the very end of the tasting.

"A whisky where the contrast between fruity pastry and freshness worksperfectly... "