The Aberlour 10 year old Speyside Forest Reserve is a successful single malt Scotch whisky that was allowed to mature in two different barrel types. The Aberlour Distillery uses pure water from the Speyside region and barley from a 15-mile radius around the distillery. The Aberlour 10 year old Speyside Forest Reserve, like the 10 year old Higland whisky, is stored in bourbon and sherry barrels for 10 years. The Forest Reserve is then given a finish in French oak barrels, which gives the distillate a complex and balanced taste profile. The Forest Reserve exudes delicate and complex aromas of red apples and vanilla. Soft, mild and spicy notes alternate on the palate. Apricot, nutmeg and clove aromas emerge, as well as hints of roasted almonds. A successful, balanced whisky that is excellent to drink neat.

Fantastic

Appearance: Pretty sherry-looking reddish amber. Probably colored though.

Nose: Raisins, wax, sherry nose, vanilla, malt sugar. Some citrus and apples.

Palate: Sweet, raisin, malt sugar, biscuits, sherry, cinnamon, vanilla. Not much oak. Slightl ypeppery.

Finish: Peppery, cinnamon, raisin, sweet malt. Bit of wax.

With Water: Can’t take it.

Overall: A tasty young sherried whisky for a reasonably price. Not mind-blowing, but good value and pretty tasty. Probably won’t reach for another soon though, unless I go broke. Really enjoyably, though, albeit simple.