A Look at Aberlour 10-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch

I have been enjoying Scotch for over a decade and estimate that I have tried several dozen single malts. It was not until about 6 months ago that I really started trying to differentiate between different makers. I have found that http://www.scotchwhisky.com is an excellent place to learn the basics, amateur, and professional aspects. I have adopted and adapted these aspects in order to describe my tasting experience. This is my first review.

About Aberlour and the Region

The Aberlour Distillery is at the heart of Speyside, the country's premier whisky-making region. No fewer than half of Scotland's malt distilleries are located in Speyside, which is renowned for producing whiskies of subtle depth and elegance (http://www.aberlour.com/spiritofaberlour/).

Situated at the junction of the rivers Lour and Spey, the distillery is surrounded by glorious scenery, dominated by the rugged peaks of Ben Rinnes a short distance away. Pure spring water for making the whisky is drawn from the Lour, and the maturing spirit in the warehouse beneficially inhales the moist Speyside air (http://www.aberlour.com/spiritofaberlour/).

The Appearance

The 10-year old Aberlour Scotch is between Pale Gold and Young Sauternes in colour and depth. From my experience, it is a bit dark for a 10-year old. Although I did not complete a specific gravity on the liquid, it appears a bit more viscous than other 10-year olds. When swirled in the glass, it leaves a slight film above the liquid level (not unlike a cognac). Since the whisky is not opaque (clarity), most likely it did not come from straight from the cask; it was filtered.

Score: 4 out of 5

The Aroma (Straight)

10-year old Aberlour is 43% alcohol by volume. My personal preference is to experience the aroma straight, rather than diluted by. The scent is between mild and medium. It is somewhat buttery and creamy, and a bit warming, however it seems to turn more estery a few seconds after inhale (which really jumps to the other side of the spectrum). It does not leave a lasting impression on the Olfactory Epithelium. This is neither good nor bad, just a characteristic of the whisky.

Score: 4 out of 5

The Aroma (Dilute)

Ok - I read my review and decided to go back and add a drop of water to a dram. This changed the entire experience of the whisky. Water makes the difference here. The bouquet is much more distinct, and the soft hint of berries comes shining through. I love raspberries and although it may not be present, every time I sniff the scotch my brain says "raspberries…yummmmm." It may be physiological, but I like it! Also, the aroma lingers a bit longer in my nose. No more estery scent.

Score: 5 out of 5

The Mouthfeel (Straight, first impression)

The 10-year old Aberlour starts off smooth and viscous and immediately becomes a bit dry and bitter. Could have a better balance.

On a scale from 1 to 5:

Sweet 3
Sour 1
Salty 0
Dry/Bitter 3

The Mouthfeel (Dilute, first impression)

Kind of explodes in your mouth. Every thing jumps out at once rather than in a time sequence. The water moves it into a better balance. Now very smooth; glides across the tongue.

On a scale from 1 to 5:

Sweet 4
Sour 2
Salty 1
Dry/Bitter 2

The Overall Taste (straight)

I really perceived a buttery taste after I made my way past the sharp alcohol penetration. Usually there is a warming feeling to counter this phenomenon, but none here. I had to evaluate several drams before I could pen a response since the overall alcohol diffusion became pronounced.

Score: 3 out of 5

The Overall Taste (dilute)

Again, water makes all the difference. The butter and now cream taste becomes very apparent, with the soft hint of fruit in the background. After several sips, I stated getting a suggestion of nutmeg (any one know what would cause this?). Still no warming feeling.

Score: 4 out of 5

The Aftertaste (Straight)

The after taste was somewhat alcoholly. The buttery flavor was still present, but it left my palette feeling dry, almost parched. After about a minute my tongue started to feel like it had Ambasol on it, then it slowly returned to normal. No warming feeling which is needed to take the edge off the medicinal aftertaste.

Score: 2 out of 5

The Aftertaste (Dilute)

Delectable. Gone is the alcoholly aftertastes. The entire flavor system stays present for several minutes. Still a bit on the dry side and that is the reason I only give it a 3.5.

Score: 3.5 out of 5

Overall

Score: 4 out of 5

You must add the water to enjoy this jewel. Without it, you waste your time and the experience. My friends never mix water and scotch, so this one will stay in the cabinet when they visit. This item retails for $35, but my local liquor store sells it for $30.