Aberlour 17 years old, Small Batch Limited Release 2023 /58,8%/ – Aberlour whiskey enjoyed considerable success in 2022; the brand sales increased by over 20% compared to the previous year to reach 3.9 million bottles. The distillery is currently operating at full capacity, which translates into 3.8 million liters of spirit per year. In 2020, the local council approved the expansion plans – installing an additional four stills and, consequently, doubling the current production capacity. Most of the whiskeys in the core range are vatting of ex-sherry and ex-bourbon casks, which is also the case with the small batch No. 1.2 expression from 2023 presented here – 42.6% American oak and 57.4% European oak. The whiskey is bottled at natural strength (58.8% abv) and without chill filtration.
Nose: delicate sherry notes, raisins and sultanas, apple strudel, ripe plums, vanilla, toffee, cinnamon, hazelnuts, cocoa powder, hints of leather and toasted oak.
Palate: milk chocolate, raisins, dried dates and figs, orange peel, sugared almonds, honey, crème brûlée, nutmeg, cinnamon, notes of sherry and oak.
Finish: fairly long, with notes of sweet dried fruits, caramel, honey, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, sherry and oak.
