Whisky Review/Tasting: Aultmore 18 Years

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Not explicitly mentioned, but Aultmore is a distillery located in the Speyside region of Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation & Maturation: The whisky is aged for 18 years, with an indication that both American and European oak casks might have been used, particularly refill casks to avoid overly dark coloration from fresh sherry casks.
Age Statement: 18 years.
Color & Clarity: Natural color, with slight variations due to the use of natural cask wood. No artificial coloring is added.
Bottle Design: Described as extremely heavy with a thick bottom and a very massive top, suggesting a premium packaging. The bottle might be numbered (example given: number 481), though it's unclear if this numbering is standard.

Balance of Flavors: Presents a balance between smoothness and spiciness, with a medium to strong aroma that is not overwhelmed by alcohol despite its 46% ABV.
Unique Characteristics: The whisky is unpeated, leading to a smooth, clean, and fruity taste. It is noted for having a silky smooth start with spiciness and sweetness developing later.
Comparison: Positioned as the perfect middle ground between Aultmore's 12 years old and 25 years old expressions, with less of the leather and coffee notes found in the older age statement and a fresher fruit profile compared to the younger.

Anecdotes/Trivia: The Aultmore 18 years old is described as a secret favorite among locals and fishermen for over 100 winters, highlighting its longstanding appeal and perhaps a hint at its traditional production methods.

Context: The whisky's character is attributed to the use of gorse and heather-filtered waters from the foggy moss, and barley free from peat smoke, emphasizing the natural and geographical influences on its flavor profile.

"This one might be the best buy from the Old Moor range." - Suggesting that, in terms of value for money and balance of flavor, the Aultmore 18 years old stands out within its range.
The whisky is appreciated for its natural presentation, being unchill-filtered and uncolored, which is increasingly valued by whisky enthusiasts.

Aultmore 18 years old is a single malt Scotch whisky from Speyside, aged in refill casks for a natural color and a balanced flavor profile.
It offers a smooth, clean, and fruity taste, with a notable absence of peat smoke.
The whisky is described as the ideal middle ground between Aultmore's 12 and 25-year expressions, offering a perfect balance of distillery character and cask influence without overwhelming bitterness.
Its heavy and possibly numbered bottle suggests a premium product.
The whisky's character is deeply connected to its natural and geographical origins, utilizing local water sources and barley.
It is recommended for its value within the Aultmore range, praised for maintaining natural whisky characteristics.

For the Speyside Enthusiast: Individuals who appreciate the typical Speyside profile of fruity and smooth whiskies will find the Aultmore 18 years old particularly appealing.
For the Mature Palate: Those who enjoy a whisky with depth and complexity, but without the heavy influence of peat or overly sweet sherry casks, will appreciate this expression.
For the Whisky Collector: The premium packaging and potential limited numbering make it an attractive addition to a collection.
For the Value Seeker: Given its positioning as possibly the best buy in its range, this whisky offers a high-quality experience at a reasonable price point.