Although Aberlour is among the top-10 of best selling malts (it’s very popular in France for example), independent releases are much less common.

This Aberlour 1990 by Malts of Scotland was matured in a sherry hogshead.

Aberlour 19yo 1990 (54,5%, Malts of Scotland 2009, cask #18847, 167 btl.)

Nose: sweet and flowery with a nice balance of big sherry and fruits. Vibrant notes of apple pie and kumquats. Whiffs of heather and moss. A bit of toffee, clean wood and melted caramel. Coffee. A light spiciness as well.  Mouth: again a mix between sherry and fruits, with more expressive liquorice now. A slight nuttiness and more oak. Toffee, sultanas, prunes. Spices (ginger,  a little white pepper). A bit of kirsch in the aftertaste. Finish: quite dry, oaky and really spicy.

If you’re familiar with the Aberlour a’bunadh bottlings, then this shows a fruitier, more playful kind of sherry influence. More balanced but just as powerful. Simply very good. Around € 80.

Score: 87/100