Review #26: Aberlour 24 Cadenhead
Established in 1842, Cadenhead is one of Scotland’s oldest bottlers. For the unacquainted, independent bottlers buy casks and new make spirit from established distilleries for a variety of reasons. Some buy spirits during downtimes, or when distilleries are just getting established. Some buy casks that have much different flavors from a distillery’s core range and aren’t appropriate to blend. Older independent bottlers like A.D. Rattray, Gordon Mcphail’s (Conniseur’s Choice), and Cadenhead tend to be very high quality products, and can sometimes be a downright steal like this whisky.
Abelour, a malt distillery owned by Chivas in the heart of Speyside, tends to have heavily sherried expressions. I love them. When I spotted their 24 year old expression on the menu for $18 a pour (6 less than an Abelour 18), I had to pick this bad boy up. I got the last dram!
Aberlour 24 Cadenhead Review
- Aberlour 24 Cadenhead - 8.5/108.5/10
Overall
Tasting Notes
Nose: Tropical fruits, nectarines, pear. Cola, effervescent and fizzy. Floral like a feminine perfume.
Palate: So drinkable, golden raisins, lemon pie, peaches and cream, sprite soda. Honey.
Finish: Light sauternes, honey aftertaste with a hint of ash dryness, tingly and effervescent.
Overview
TLDR: “Nectarine soda.” It’s weird, but effervescent is an apt description for this one. Must try for lovers of Aberlour. Bought for: ~$18 / 1.5 oz pour.
Additional Information
- ABV: 51.7
- Cask: Oak, probably ex-Bourbon.
- Age: 24 years
About
- Aberlour was started in the late 1800s by James Fleming, a former grain merchant who bought too much grain.
- Distillery is now part of the Chivas portfolio, but they hold on to a bit for delicious single malts.
- Definitely worth a visit! The distillery is in the heart of Speyside, near Macallan and Glenfiddich.