Whisky Review/Tasting: Aberlour 15 years Selected Casks

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Aberlour Distillery, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation & Maturation Process: The Aberlour 15 years Selected Casks is a cuvée, meaning it is a blend of whiskies that have all matured for 15 years in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks before being mixed together to achieve the desired flavor profile.
Age Statement: 15 years.
Color & Clarity: Golden amber.
Bottle Design: The bottle does not feature a wax seal but has a typical plastic-metal foil cap. The design seems to prioritize simplicity and tradition.

Balance of Flavors: The whisky presents a complex and harmonious balance of flavors, with no single aroma dominating over others.
Unique Characteristics: Notable for its rich malt, toffee, honey, vanilla notes, and a hint of coconut and warming spice. It also has a significant maltiness and sweetness, with spiciness and a touch of bitterness from the oak, suggesting a well-rounded and mature whisky.
Comparison: Described as more complex and well-rounded than other Aberlour expressions, including those with higher ABV or more pronounced sherry influence.

Historical Anecdote: The Aberlour 15 years Selected Casks has a predecessor named after Marie de Corse (Mary Stuart), the last queen of Scotland, linking the whisky to a significant historical figure and event.
Production Insights: The detailed explanation of the cuvée process versus finishing provides insight into the craftsmanship and decision-making involved in creating this whisky.

Scottish Heritage: The whisky embodies Scottish heritage not only through its production in Scotland but also through its historical connections and traditional maturation processes.
Distillery Craftsmanship: Emphasizes the skill and sensory acumen of the Aberlour distillery's craftsmen in selecting and blending casks for bottling.

Horst Luening's Opinion: "This is definitely an older whisky. I love it. It's a really wonderful well-rounded complex structured aromatic single malt whisky and so far in my line of Aberlours, it's for my personal view the best because it's so complex."
Flavor Appreciation: Luening appreciates the whisky's complexity, balance, and the harmonious interplay of flavors, highlighting its superiority within the Aberlour range.

Aberlour 15 years Selected Casks is a cuvée single malt Scotch whisky, matured in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks.
It features a golden amber color and a complex flavor profile with notes of malt, toffee, honey, vanilla, coconut, and warming spice.
The whisky is linked to Scottish history through its predecessor named after Mary Stuart.
It is praised for its complexity, balance, and craftsmanship in blending.
Horst Luening regards it as the best in the Aberlour range for its complexity and well-rounded character.

For Whisky Enthusiasts: Those with a deep appreciation for the craft of whisky making and the subtleties of flavor will likely enjoy the complexity and balance of the Aberlour 15 years Selected Casks.
For History Buffs: Individuals interested in Scottish history and the stories behind their spirits may find the connection to Mary Stuart particularly engaging.
For Beginners: While this whisky's complexity might be more appreciated by experienced palates, beginners looking to explore well-rounded and mature whiskies could find it an educational and enjoyable choice.