"For whisky drinkers..." | Aberlour 12 (48%) REVIEW

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Great review. Like you, I don't find this to be the best 12 YO craft whisky out there, but it's good whisky and I desperately want to encourage large corporations like Pernod Ricard to keep releasing these types of whiskies (Glenlivet Illicit/Aberlour 48%). I'd take this whisky over the 40% Aberlour 12 and 14 YO any day! I hope the success of these two whiskies encourage other global drink companies to release more of their own craft presentation whiskies (looking at you Diageo).

[@Gwhisky]

Well said, Phil! I've got a very long wishlist of whiskies that I think would be amazing with a proper abv. I doubt it'll ever become common practice, but we can dream!

[@canal-do-guga-namura]

Love mine. On my second bottle! I love the red fruits tone it brings along with the vanilla you'd expect from ex-bourbon casks.

[@WhiskyWolf514]

I have both bottles of the Aberlour 12. What made me like the regular 12 is that plum note that I get out of it with a slight metallic finish. However the NCF version is much deeper with that plum note ( deeper plum yeah...that's what we are going with ), more complex in general and has a very chocolaty and longer lasting finish. So yeah definitely if I ever buy it again it's gonna be the NCF version. But I understand why you would not want to drink it always. I have to add here something though about never knowing how it will taste like. I think that can apply for any whisk(e)ys to a degree. Simply because what we ate that day can really influence our taste. I for example really try to stay away from sugar in general and too extremely spicy things the days when I know I will have some whiskey in the evening. What we consume prior to the whiskey tasting can really influence the flavors in my opinion. Great video as always Geoff! Slainte 🥃

[@aframs-cctaf-rams-cct6424]

Man, you guys are making me get into whisky again, after a 6 month hiatus…. Btw, the whiskyworld just released this year’s delicious edradour 12 year natural cask!

[@Gwhisky]

Six months? Well done, buddy! That takes some discipline!

[@pierreluna1654]

Nice review ! Keep going with your salutary honesty

[@Gwhisky]

Thank you, Pierre! Appreciate it!

[@jayasprilla164]

just bought and tried this dram. loved it! sherry bomb, didnt get that sourness on the finish. maybe thats because i'm new to tasting. love your videos dawg, keep it up!

[@richardagnew4959]

Lovin' the self-deprecating Canadian humour. Keep it comin'! :). Sounds like a wonderful whisky too. :)

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks Richard. It's decent stuff! 🥃

[@tombryan1]

The 18 year old expression from 2019 - 2020 is their flagship for me, Ive have one or two of those in boxes stashed for eternity, or until I cant wait to drink them.

[@Gwhisky]

The 18 is good stuff, but my favourite from Aberlour is the older A'bunadhs. Man those were good back in the day.

[@cecilrobbins5182]

As usual I'm loving the honesty! I also love the 48% non chillfiltered Glenlivet 12 illicit still and I wanted to do the same comparison to the 40% . So, I bought a mini 50ml bottle. It's been over a year now and I bought a few minis and have done that comparison several times. I even took the "neck pour" off the mini , it did open up a bit but was still far "less" than the Illicit Still. You could do that on your review at least with the Glenlivet 12, both ABVs and non chillfiltered and Chillfiltered. It's a master class in the difference between the two and with the mini you don't have to buy a lot of the 40% trash. I hadn't heard about the Aberlour 48% but I enjoyed the review.... I'll stear clear. Remember the comparison is PHENOMENAL and doable with the mini Glenlivet 12.

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks Cecil. I've already done a review of the Illicit Still. Its fantastic. I haven't tried the Licenced Dram yet, which I plan to pick up next week. Easy to find minis of the Glenlivet 12, so that sounds like a good idea the next time I have a craft Glenlivet. Cheers!

[@MasterTaster]

Spot on review man! Yes, it’s colored 😬, mit farbstoff. I remember a distinct milk chocolate note the last time I tried it. I gotta revisit it at some point. All in all, it’s a good bang for your buck.

[@Gwhisky]

It's decent. Despite its flaws, happy to have an affordable age-stated sherried whisky with a nice abv. Cheers CuttyShark!

[@Schlipperschlopper]

Please check turkish whisky, its not a crap malt, its good!! The brand name is Tekel Ankara Malt Viski

[@Gwhisky]

I'll be in Turkey in August. Something to consider. Cheers.

[@Schlipperschlopper]

@@Gwhisky that would be great!

[@YalnYALNIZ]

Its good but not in production now, so you can expect little high pricing; overall good quality for sure.

[@Gwhisky]

@@YalnYALNIZ I looked. Couldn't find it anywhere. The internet said it was discontinued.

[@YalnYALNIZ]

@@Gwhisky You can't find in markets anymore, its in black market.

[@AlinJapan]

I drank this about 3 years ago fairly early in my whisky journey, and what I remember about it is that it wasn't very memorable compared to a Glenfarclas 12, an old, Billy Walker Glendronach 12 or a Glen Garioch 12 (also at 48%).

[@Gwhisky]

I'd agree. Not very memorable, and not one I'll be seeking out down the line. Glenfarclas 15 and Billy's Glendronach 12 are fantastic!

[@budzogan]

Isnt Sour note appreciated by Ralfy ? So is it good or bad to have sour notes...? hmm...

[@hansvaneenennaam457]

Good review, I have more or less the same with Aberlour. Tried the former 12 years at 48% and the 18 year but both were not really my friend.

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks Hans! Great minds think alike!

[@larryswearingen5413]

I've been buying, and replacing, this Aberlour version for a couple of years now, and it's one of my favorites. Glen Grant also puts out a 12 year Non Chill Filtered, 48% whisky as well, but it seems to be exclusive to the travel retail market. There are probably other travel retail examples like this, from other producers, which I think is unfortunate. It seems like they do this to sort of "put their best foot forward", so to speak, when casual buyers are coming across their products for the first time, and wanting to make a good impression. Seems like they would make a better impression in the larger market if they would just make it available to everyone.

[@Gwhisky]

True, there are several examples of craft 12s being put out alongside the standard releases, but they're rare and often hard to find. A lot of people have told me that this Aberlour is impossible to find in their market. The Glen Grant 12 is a nice one too. You're right, we really should be seeing more of these!

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

Laphroaig 10 and Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength might count as a Consumer and Craft presentation of the same whisky.

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

Also Tullibardine 12 and Tullibardine 12 The Murray (if it's still made 🤔).

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah youre right! Btw I finally picked up the Murray 12. It's good! 🥃

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

@@Gwhisky Glad you enjoyed it. Not easy to find, and like I said, I'm not even sure they're making it any longer?

[@Gwhisky]

@@MrChristopherMolloy I think mine is 2019. I've seen other vintages, but they were older. No idea if it's since been discontinued.

[@carlmartinlinder]

Interesting! I have a bottle that I havent opened yet. Perhaps I will have a go at it now after watching this

[@Gwhisky]

Hope you enjoy!

[@ItalNico]

Great video and very informative. The first and only Aberlour I've purchased was the A'bunadh and I was very disappointed as the quality for the price ($100 US) just wasn't there. Unfortunately it turned me off their entire line.

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah it's gone way down in quality. Older ones were stunning, but it’s nothing special nowadays. Thanks for watching ItalNico. 🥃

[@mormorgranat]

Bought this the other month, and agree with some stuff said. I liked the taste, and was thinking I might really enjoy it, and then bitterness hit - ruins it all for me. So I try to drink it very slowly and not a lot per sip, and most of the bitterness stays hidden :) A'bunadh is better though. And I've only a new release of that too.

[@Gwhisky]

I found water helped with the sour/bitter notes in the finish, but they didn't disappear completely. I'll try taking smaller sips. Cheers!

[@chefmarv6499]

Never tried this one, but the regular 12 always cheers me up when I pop one open, but then by the end of the bottle, I find it has some bitterness of old inactive cask interaction where the whisky is just soaking paper/cartoon bitterness. Buget sherry doesn't always work.

[@Gwhisky]

Pretty similar to the 48%. Enjoyable until it isn't. Cheers Marv.

[@DonnerPassWhisky]

Wish this was available where i am as this sounds like the one to get.

[@grahamokeefe9406]

Absolutely love Aberlour 12. I don't find the sour note you're talking about. I disagree stenously with you about alcohol content. I have a bottle of Wild Turkey Rare Breed, and I can't taste the whisky for the alcohol..

[@justinafuchs2619]

WTRB is at barrel strength, and you need some time to get used to higher ABVs. You can add some water and proof it down. We’re talking about 46% ABV here, that’s a lot less than WTRB at over 118 proof. 40% ABV might fit your taste when you’re starting your whiskey journey, but - as Geoff said - whiskey nerds want their whiskey at at least 46%, unchill filtered and without artificial colour. A craft presentation.

[@ConcaCon]

A pretty decent sherry bomb and well worth it for the price. I think I got a 2019 bottling though. My score would be an 84. Think I'd favor the pre chill-filtered Glendronach 12 over it, which I have at an 85, despite the ABV.

[@Gwhisky]

I've got a Billy Walker 12 on the go right now. Yes, it's better. But I do like the Aberlour better than the modern Glendronach 12. Cheers.

[@ConcaCon]

@@Gwhisky Agreed. Cheers to you as well!

[@mateuszorczykowski6780]

Is there any way to check all your rates from the top to the bottom?

[@mcwaffles121593]

I wish there was an excel spreadsheet or something

[@mateuszorczykowski6780]

@@mcwaffles121593 Exactly

[@Gwhisky]

No, unfortunately I haven't got around to that yet.

[@nguye578]

I think they add E150 purely for batch consistency; seems like an increasing trend in the industry. I don't love that, but I guess if you want every batch to be the same in every market it kind of makes sense. And supposedly it doesn't change the taste other than your perception. So all in all, I'd take E150 if it means the higher ABV and it's unchill-filtered.

[@Gwhisky]

Totally agree. The abv is the most important factor for me. There are plenty of good whiskies out there that are coloured, and much fewer that are 40%!

[@YvesGauvreau]

To your question, AncNoc 12, 2009, 46%, non chill and no colour.

[@m.andre824]

I have a similar impression of this whisky but my issue would happen to be more on the palate. It's still a good palate but I find underwhelming and sometimes one note compared to the nose. I also find it quite hot for 48%. I gave it a 6/10, still great entry-level whisky but just not the most balanced

[@Gwhisky]

Well said!

[@drewboyd7508]

Would love to hear your thoughts on the Old Pulteney 12. It's another one, like the Ancnoc 12, that seems to get a pass from the community, in spite of the ABV.

[@Gwhisky]

It's one I'll definitely get to. 🥃

[@ironmantran]

i was HOPING for more . . . Hallelujah on the civilized rant of 40% . . . u tried the 48% Casg Annamh (NAS for 88 points) some 10-12 mo ago - how do they compare ??

[@Gwhisky]

I've since had a couple lesser bottlings od Casg, so my overall opinion of it has gone down. The lesser batches have been slightly worse, and the batch I reviewed (2 I think) was substantially better.

[@ironmantran]

@@Gwhisky i c . . . many thx.

[@jackdeedman5344]

I would love it if: Highland park, Aberlour and Glenmoragy,(sic) would produce a 48% well priced option for the enthusiasts. Non chill and no colour and a small bump in price. They seem to think a huge hike in price warrants this. I disagree. Look where Ardbeg is going £££££ when the hype dies it will be us drinkers still at the table. Think on you big brands!

[@Gwhisky]

Well said, Jack! 🥃

[@WhiskeyStraightAl]

Sounds like it could be that 'box of chocolates' whisky - you never know what you're gonna get. I've only had the regular 12, which was ok and a bit underwhelming. Cheers Geoff.

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah profiles like this are really frustrating. Moments of brilliance, but too hard to pin down. Cheers Big Al! 🥃

[@hyacinthus35]

Great whisky, exquisite presenter.

[@Gwhisky]

Hah well colour me flattered! Cheers and Happy New Year! 🥃

[@lightplays2181]

12 yo and 48% abv is good : ) Good job Geoff , like .Cheers )

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks Light! 🥃

[@sambrewster8556]

Have you reviewed a Loch Lomond on the channel yet? I've just opened an Inchmurrin which I'm enjoying so far. Would be interesting to hear your thoughts.

[@vimalrajkappil]

Yes Loch Lomond 12

[@Gwhisky]

As Vimal mentioned above, I've looked at the LL12. I haven't tried much else from the brand. Inchmurrin is one to consider. Cheers!

[@galartsi]

Is there a place where we can see the list of scores you have whiskys? an Excel sheet or something similar? would be interesting to see trends there!

[@Gwhisky]

Sorry I don't have one just yet. It's being considered, though. Cheers!

[@DileepB]

Have only seen the 40% ABV. Is it available in the US? Is it really better than Glendronach 12?

[@Gwhisky]

I'm not sure about availability in other markets. Not a lot of info out there. I prefer it to the modern Glendronach 12, yes.

[@allenbt11]

This is super difficult bottle for me to find. I am curious if anyone found the same finish flaws on the 12 yo 43% that you are noting on this 48%. Is this a case where proofing it down actually served the whisky better?

[@Gwhisky]

Personally I much prefer this to the standard 12. Perhaps others have had a different experience?

[@EuropaWill]

Hey Geoff, after all your talk of marking whiskies down if they come in at less than 46% ABV, and congratulating this distillery for releasing this at 48% ABV, I found it quite surprising and frankly a bit hypocritical that you didn't offer your thoughts on it straight out of the bottle! You added water to it!? You probably brought it right down to 43 or 40%... Where you normally wag your finger at distilleries or distributors. At least try it first without adding water. Then add a few drops to see how it changes. You'd be surprised how little water it takes to proof something like this down to 40% ABV. Graduated cylinders for measuring are helpful to experiment with when you are curious about exact ABV comparisons.

[@Gwhisky]

I review the whisky in the way I like it the most. I don't usually add water unless I think the whisky needs it. This one does. Couple drops, didn't bring it down to 40%.

[@EuropaWill]

@@Gwhisky Sorry if that was overly harsh sounding, not the intention. I enjoy your reviews since I think you have good sensibilities. You should try that experiment I suggested though. Take a 48% ABV like this one and get 4 glencairns ready, then try it at 46%, 43% and then at 40% by adding precise amounts of distilled water to the graduated cylinder. Then taste them all side by side. You might find it an interesting exercise in your whiskey journey. Cheers!

[@marclambert8596]

@@Gwhisky But I assume u did try it without water at some point in order to know that? Are any of your video reviews totally blind or initial impressions only?

[@Gwhisky]

@@EuropaWill Sounds interesting!

[@TheKris2615]

Gwhiskey man...please review hibiki and japanese yamazaki

[@Gwhisky]

Sadly it's over double the price it is in the States here in Taiwan.

[@ursoouindio]

I like this one and have recommended to less experienced friends when they ask for something more interesting and still accessible. I think it is well balanced towards the sherry and delivers quite nicely for the price. It is curious to see your experience with it being inconsistent, is it when you have it after tasting other whiskies?

[@Gwhisky]

It's tends to be at its worst in sessions, yes. But even when tasted alone my reaction seems to vary. Tough one to pin down imo.

[@gazearek]

Totally agree on the off putting finish! 😢

[@Hingspiration]

This version is €0.50 cheaper than the regular version at a big chain here. Wut?

[@Gwhisky]

Lol wut?

[@stevelandwonder4760]

Unobtainium in the UK sadly.

[@Gwhisky]

Oh that's a shame. Interesting stuff.