Whisky Review/Tasting: Aberlour 7 years McGibbon's Provenance

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: The whisky is from Aberlour, an independent bottler McGibbon's Provenance filled the bottle.
Type: Single malt Scotch whisky.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Distilled in summer 2008, matured in a refill barrel (barrel number 10766) without sherry influence, and bottled in summer 2015. It is matured in ex-bourbon casks, deviating from Aberlour's typical use of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks.
Age Statement: 7 years old.
Color and Clarity: Not explicitly described, but it is unchill filtered and uncolored, suggesting a natural appearance.
Bottle Design: Not described, but it is noted for having the age statement prominently displayed.

Balance of Flavors: The whisky opens with sweet honey and develops into creamy vanilla, with a palate that remains sweet, carrying a slightly nutty marzipan style and a buttery home-baked character. The finish is medium-long, now fruity with orange pith apparent.
Unique Characteristics: The absence of sherry cask maturation allows the distillery character to shine through, offering a distinct profile of sweet vanilla honey, nuttiness, and a sweet orange note in the aftertaste.
Comparison: This Aberlour is noted as being very untypical for the brand, especially due to the lack of sherry cask influence, which is a hallmark for Aberlour whiskies.

Interesting Stories: The narrative focuses on the independent bottling process by McGibbon's Provenance and how it allows the distillery character of Aberlour to be experienced in a new light, without the typical sherry cask influence.

Significance: The discussion highlights the importance of cask selection in Scotch whisky production and how it can significantly alter the flavor profile, showcasing the versatility of Aberlour's distillate.

Opinions: Horst Luening, the mastertaster, appreciates the whisky's unique profile, noting its sweet, creamy, and nutty characteristics, and the distinct presence of sweet orange in the aftertaste.
Quotes: "This is a very untypical Aberlour. It has its wonderful smooth and vanilla sweet tone."

Aberlour 7 years McGibbon's Provenance is a single malt Scotch whisky, distilled in 2008 and bottled in 2015.
Matured in a refill ex-bourbon barrel, without the typical sherry cask influence, showcasing Aberlour's distillery character.
Flavor profile includes sweet honey, creamy vanilla, nutty marzipan, and a sweet orange aftertaste.
The whisky is unchill filtered, uncolored, and has a 46% ABV.
Priced affordably due to the absence of sherry cask maturation.
Described as very untypical for Aberlour, offering a unique tasting experience.

For Whisky Enthusiasts: Those interested in exploring the pure distillery character of Aberlour without the influence of sherry casks will find this expression intriguing.
For Beginners: The sweet and creamy profile, coupled with its affordability, makes it an accessible entry point for newcomers to single malt Scotch.
For Collectors: The unique nature of this independent bottling, with its specific cask maturation and distinct flavor profile, might appeal to collectors looking for something different from Aberlour's standard range.