Aberlour A'bunadh Alba

Batch 003 - Bottled at 60.4 ABV ( 120.8 Proof ) As other's have said - this one is potent. Let it breathe for a bit before indulging. This one would be a great candidate for a Decanter but I'm tasting off a freshly opened bottle, in a Glencairn with the whiskey having sat for about 10 minutes. What an interesting and lovely nose. The first thing I smell is sweet Maraschino cherries enveloped in thick honey. How rich and inviting. The taste is hot from the proof but its super creamy and coats the tongue. With the tongue tingling sensation from the proof its almost the same sensation as a root beer float. As the initial mouth feel blends into the full taste, you get the tiniest hit of cherry but then it explodes into sweet baking spices and dark chocolate. The finish begins almost salty but then melts into a slightly bitter chocolate and sweet caramel aftertaste. Like a dark chocolate sea salt caramel candy. This one isn't for the feint of heart. For the love of God, don't have your non whiskey drinking friends have some. But for those who genuinely enjoy whiskey and aren't afraid of a little proof, my God is this something special.

Batch 002 is 58.7% ABV

Let sit for about 5 minutes. 👀: Very pale tones with excessive legs, golden flecks abound; 👃: Light honey scents, some cornbread, vanilla, a little oak, cherries, then a whiff of ethanol at the back end; 👅: Intensely creamy like cream soda, baking spices and stone fruits; 🏁: Very refreshing and lingering at the end, honey notes, beautiful finish.

Woody nose. Strong and spicy with oak. Long finish. A bit overly strong.

Let it breath, needed to be decantered,

It is punchy and there is plenty of apple and pear. A nice clove spice rounds out the sip, but it's a little disappointing for the price.