Aberlour 12-year-old

Overall rating
84.21/100
votes
587
Whiskybase ID
WB25293
Category
Single Malt
Distillery
Bottler
Distillery Bottling
Bottling serie
Non Chill-Filtered
Stated Age
12 years old
Strength
48.0 % Vol.
Size
700 ml
Barcode
5000299298282
Added on
22 sep 2011 9:13 am
ColoredNon-chillfiltered

Average value

€ 49.48

86 × in wishlist

587 × member ratings

1547 × in collection

Whisky reviews for Aberlour 12-year-old

113 users have left 125 reviews for this whisky. Average rating is 84.21 points.

  1. happyNess scored this whisky 87 points Member Senior

    A top PLV! I already had some much more expensive malts that didn't have nearly as much to offer.
    • Nose
      86 86
      Sweet and spicy, the alcohol is easy to feel. Oranges, strawberries, dried apricots. Behind the whole fruit basket, some oak flavor, brown sugar and very little hay.
    • Taste
      88 88
      Strong and mouth-filling, this perfect balance between sweetness and spice again. Dried apricots, orange, creme brulee, some fresh oak, cinnamon and coffee.
    • Finish
      87 87
      Medium length and fruity-spicy. Slightly bitter orange jam, a little walnut and espresso, before the drying oak ends.

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  3. yes scored this whisky 84 points Expert Junior

    One of my first whiskies about 3 years ago, now re-visited as a gift to my father. Not disappointed, but not as entusiastic as before (from 87 to 84, maybe lower in the future). Still cheaper and miles ahead of the Casg Annamh!
    • Nose
      83 83
      Fruity, woody and herbal (mostly fruity and honeyed on the nose). Not so much a sherry bomb, but more of a candied pear, honey and damp wood mixture. Slightly sulphuric, yes. Some ripe bananas, some toasted malt, bay leaf, nutmeg, a little bit of vanilla. Easy going and pleasant, although not very diverse.
    • Taste
      84 84
      Way more malty on the palate, sweet and sour, sweeter than the nose. Decent oiliness (even with water), honey, juicy red apples, juicy raisins, bay leaf is strong in bigger and quicker sips (more tamed if you chew the dram), some light pepperiness, wood feels fresher here (but not overpowering). Perhaps even less diverse than the nose, but more well structured in my opinion.
    • Finish
      84 84
      Medium length. Raisins, chocolate, plums, orange peel, malt. Honey and vanilla, light rosemary note, hazelnuts, some oakiness prevails at the end. Very competent whisky at a reasonable price and presentation (48%, non-chill filtered), and sherried without neglecting the malt.

  4. ThorstenH scored this whisky 70 points Connoisseur

    61-70 – Okay, but not more than 1 Dram

  5. hzs275 scored this whisky 81 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      83 83
    • Taste
      81 81
    • Finish
      80 80

  6. BehindSpace scored this whisky 83 points Connoisseur

    solid, but nothing special.

    48% are way better than the standard ABV from Abeour
    • Nose
      84 84
    • Taste
      83 83
    • Finish
      83 83

  7. Tom na Gruagaich scored this whisky 83 points Connoisseur

    Solid sherry malt, very nutty, quite a bit of refills and European oak, I like the wood is stronger and spicier than expected.
    • Nose
      sweet, malty, light sherry, nutty and definitely oak
    • Taste
      Quite powerful in the mouth, also from the wood, walnuts, tart oak
    • Finish
      Tarter than the nose would suggest, oak, some sherry, mint, grape seeds.

  8. gaboruso scored this whisky 85 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      86 86
    • Taste
      85 85
    • Finish
      84 84

  9. Bomshanka scored this whisky 85 points Expert Senior

    The beefed up version of the classic Aberlour 12. The 48% abv. does wonders for the depth and nuance of flavour from the standard product, and no chill filtration is bound to contribute. A great shelf standard from the Speyside region.
    • Nose
      86 86
      Strawberry jam. Big time strawberry jam. Cooked red fruits and malty crackers. Orange peel. Floral honey. Very approachable and pleasant.
    • Taste
      85 85
      Typical Aberlour profile with a sweet sherried velvet over a Speysidey malt. Digestives with jam. Probably strawberry jam ;)
    • Finish
      84 84
      Fading slowly on the sherry, with some dryness and some maltiness. Medium long and pleasant.

  10. Finn2206 scored this whisky 85 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      83 83
    • Taste
      85 85
    • Finish
      86 86

  11. Malthead19 scored this whisky 82 points Connoisseur

    - a really tasty Aberlour
    - find it more aromatic and therefore better than that
    normal 12 J. Double Cask
    - the 48% suits him significantly better than the 40%, more
    (Volume, more aroma, zero unpleasant, very
    balanced)
    - at 40 - 45€ a bit more expensive than the 12 J. Double Cask, BUT
    the extra cost is worth it
    • Nose
      aromatic note of sherry, raisins, somewhat sweet
    • Taste
      very pleasant, soft, fruity attack, a lot of sherry in the mouth, some oak, the 48% gives it a good aroma on the tongue (I find it significantly better than the 40%)
    • Finish
      medium length fruity finish ;
      medium-long aftertaste

  12. aboutWhisky scored this whisky 86 points Expert Junior

    With this bottling, Aberlour has a great 12-year-old single malt on the market. The increased alcohol content gives the whisky more power and expressiveness. Thanks to a successful barrel combination, there is both a lot of fruit and a clear sweetness. The oak then speaks up, especially on the finish, and well-integrated floral notes round off the whole thing.

    https://www.aboutwhisky.de/tastingnotes/aberlour-12-years-non-chill-filtered/
    • Nose
      A strong aroma unfolds immediately with a clear syrupy sweetness and a fruity cocktail of ripe summer fruits. Ripe pears and pomegranates immediately come to mind. The sherry character dominates over the bourbon cask character, but both casks harmonize well with each other. Some time later, a slightly floral and perfumed note unfolds, which I associate with rose petals. The bourbon cask brings some caramel with it. When the nose slowly begins to fade out the dominant aromas, a light spiciness from the oak comes through.
    • Taste
      When trying it, the mouth is immediately filled with the syrupy sweetness that is already indicated in the nose and is vaguely reminiscent of honey. Here, too, clear fruit and sherry aromas come through and you can find the floral notes again.
    • Finish
      The sweet aromas transition into malty notes on the long and warming finish, which, combined with a slightly bitter-spicy character of the barrel, are vaguely reminiscent of beer.

  13. Don Cassi scored this whisky 80 points Expert Senior

    The nose opens fruity with preserved apples, dried peaches, orange peel and some sherry.

    In the mouth it goes on nicely full and mouth-watering as well as spicy-fruity.

    A splash of pepper greets me on the finish, which then combines with apricots and chocolate. From time to time an association of soap flashes, which clouds the finish somewhat.
    Length: 4/10

    Nice, sherry-heavy standard with the right amount of intensity.

    Rating: B+

  14. dapoinbua scored this whisky 85 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      86 86
    • Taste
      85 85
    • Finish
      85 85

  15. Portfolioman scored this whisky 80 points Expert Senior

    It's going ok. Not a bad whisky, but it doesn't really convince me either. Somehow standard goods. It is certainly well suited for social gatherings.
    • Nose
      fruity-sweet, strawberry jam (actually!), some oak in the background
    • Taste
      strong, creamy and oily, some pepper, sweet, clear oak notes
    • Finish
      warming, distinctive oak, becoming drier, the sweetness disappears relatively quickly

  16. MarcinCh scored this whisky 85 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      86 86
      Oloroso sherry aromas. Sweetness, red fruit. Dried fruits, raisins. Caramel. Milk chocolate. Chocolate with nuts. Nougat. Nuts.
    • Taste
      85 85
      Milk chocolate, sweetness. Spices, spices. Ginger, pepper. Red fruit. Dried fruits. Sherry Oloroso.
    • Finish
      85 85
      Sweetness. Milk chocolate. Sherry Oloroso. Dried fruits. Raisins, but not that sweet. Medium-long finish. Nuts.

  17. Buscator scored this whisky 84 points Member Senior

  18. Lchico scored this whisky 84 points Member Senior

    • Nose
      83 83
    • Taste
      84 84
    • Finish
      84 84

  19. Totoro scored this whisky 87 points Connoisseur

    The 48 percent provide leeway to add a drop of water or two and boost its fragrant, floral side.
    • Nose
      87 87
      Fruity teenaged spirit combined with expertly-measured oak influence. Excellent for its young age.
      Minty with pear initially, then it opens up and presents ripe apricot, redcurrant, plum, raisin, leather, arboreal aromas (tree needles, forest floor), whiffs of European oak, roast nuts, Arabica coffee beans, tonka, and crème caramel with candied orange.
    • Taste
      87 87
      Great mouthfeel, you really get to know the texture and all its nooks and crannies, thanks to the elevated ABV. Morello cherry, cranberry, dark chocolate mousse, cinnamon, tiramisu, ristretto, umami, brown sugar, and a splash of lemon to lighten it up. More floral and (for lack of a better word) lovely with water.
    • Finish
      86 86
      Warming, still sweet and juicy, but counterbalanced by a drying oaky side. Dark chocolate and acidic espresso with burst of red grape.

  20. dimitrios scored this whisky 81 points Expert Junior

    • Nose
      81 81
    • Taste
      82 82
    • Finish
      81 81

  21. riegerjonas scored this whisky 82 points Expert Senior

    2020-12-20
    • Nose
      82 82
      Glue, minimally sour, clearly sherry, slightly bread-like, possibly a little marzipan, little or no spicy
    • Taste
      83 83
      spicy, oak, a little sherry, dark chocolate
    • Finish
      82 82
      Dark chocolate

  22. AXEoftheNORTH scored this whisky 89 points Member Senior

    When you open the bottle, the scent of fruity-sweet strawberries and orange peel wafts towards you, followed by a clear note of sherry. The taste is also very interesting. Soft and smooth, it impresses with a variety of different impressions: currants, malt, liquorice as well as chocolate, caramel and cinnamon. Despite this complexity, it still has a nicely balanced structure. As expected, the aftertaste is very long-lasting and rounds off the tasting with smoky aromas and a gentle pepperiness.

  23. Dris scored this whisky 79 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      80 80
    • Taste
      78 78
    • Finish
      78 78

  24. Whisky Hamster scored this whisky 82 points Expert Senior

    NCF and higher abv. is all fine and dandy, but does not automatically make your malt good. You still need balance, good casks and the right distillation cut to bring something special forth. Seems a bit rough and out of balance, this 12. Rather have the current 18 UCF @48% abv. at its current price (Come on, Aberlour the 50 cl bottle is a real letdown!). So the 12 is not bad at all but also not what we maltsters anticipated. Strength does not need to be unbalanced, see e.g. Glenlivet 12 Illicit Stills!

  25. tester1277 scored this whisky 78 points Expert Senior

  26. WhiskyPEATer scored this whisky 86 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      86 86
    • Taste
      87 87
    • Finish
      86 86

  27. Dogs2 scored this whisky 84 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      85 85
    • Taste
      84 84
    • Finish
      82 82

  28. Teomarg scored this whisky 86 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      86 86
    • Taste
      88 88
    • Finish
      87 87

  29. Mapl scored this whisky 86 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      86 86
    • Taste
      86 86
    • Finish
      85 85

  30. ffmdino did not rate this whisky Connoisseur

    Easy-drinking-dram
    with good PLV
    the finish is unfortunately a bit too easy
    the oak might be too heavy for some
    • Nose
      gently sherry, slightly raisins, sweetness, dark caramel, brown apple !, old wood, brown sugar becomes more
    • Taste
      full and strong on the palate
      Full of sherry !!, oak, spicy, Maggi cabbage, becomes very spicy, apple has turned very brown, apple must, brown sugar
    • Finish
      medium long
      Sherry, light oak, very spicy

  31. distilledinManchesta scored this whisky 65 points Member Senior

    I found this NCF 12 yo to have the same sickly sweetness as the 10 yo and the Casg Annamh. These whiskies have put me off Aberlour. I took a bottle of the 12 NCF to a wedding and was happy to find someone had appropriated it whilst I wasn't looking. Spend the extra and get the A'bunadh.

  32. claymore84 scored this whisky 84 points Expert Senior

    Tasted on 08-07-2020 in Straberg.

  33. ctu scored this whisky 84 points Connoisseur

  34. Astrid scored this whisky 82 points Connoisseur

    A lot of influence from both the sherry and bourbon barrels. A multitude of different flavors, but without conveying intricate complexity. As mentioned many times, the alcohol strength does not seem harmonious to me either. PLV still neat.
    • Nose
      85 85
      Liqueur-like sweetness, sherry and raisins, heather and vanilla, intense polished white oak, blanched almonds and freshly chopped hazelnuts, a touch of coconut, some resin and honey, dried plums, red apples and lots of cherry juice, strawberry compote, tons of pineapple and banana with other exotic hints , Caramel and hints of cocoa powder and chocolate, porridge, effervescent powder, alcohol not perfectly integrated
    • Taste
      82 82
      Lots of heather honey and vanilla, lots of oak and spice - nutmeg, thyme, white pepper, a little cinnamon, light chocolate bitterness, intense sherry with prunes, some barley malt, hazelnuts, caramel, coconut, liqueur or honey-like structure, also slightly creamy, apple
    • Finish
      78 78
      spicy-sweet, fresh hazelnuts again, fruity sherry, refill oak and vanilla, barley, cinnamon, a touch of grassy heather, plum, banana, the liqueur impression remains and lingers

  35. Likudi scored this whisky 82 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      81 81
    • Taste
      83 83
    • Finish
      82 82

  36. LeChiffre scored this whisky 87 points Connoisseur

    Very tasty and tasty malt with a harmonious interplay of fruity sweetness and a fine spice. Thanks to the alcohol content, he doesn't lack power either. A real surprise in terms of price, is one of the best 12-year standards in the price segment for me.
    • Nose
      88 88
      fruity-sweet; Oranges; Tangerines; Hints of strawberries; Raisins; Plum; Vanilla; delicate chocolate; subtle oak spice lies in the background
      - Very tasty, well-balanced fruit basket on the nose
    • Taste
      87 87
      sweet and full-bodied approach; Oranges; Apricots; Raisins; Milk chocolate; Cinnamon; bitter coffee notes in the background; A pleasantly spicy oak is increasingly being used as a harmonious counterpoint
    • Finish
      87 87
      slightly dry; tart and spicy wood aromas; Orange notes; Espresso; dark chocolate

  37. KOQ24 scored this whisky 78 points Expert Junior

    A more intense version of the Aberlour 12.More bang for your buck.
    • Nose
      80 80
      Orange zest,Caramel,spicy,Sherry
    • Taste
      80 80
      caramel,spicy,toffee,chocolate,marzipan,oak
    • Finish
      75 75
      medium to full-bodied with a medium-long finish.
      Medium-strong alcohol note

  38. Cascode scored this whisky 84 points Member Junior

    A well-crafted whisky that showcases a sherried-fruit character without becoming overbearing. Good value for money.
    • Nose
      Sherry, orange, malt, honey, berries, dried fruit, vanilla.
    • Taste
      Soft, sherried, fruity and lightly honeyed arrival. Almonds, apricot, peach and dark cherries in the development. Some warm, subtle baking spices. The texture is luscious.
    • Finish
      Long and lingering. It fades away gracefully and a soft sweetness remains.

  39. mattheww scored this whisky 84 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      82 82
    • Taste
      86 86
    • Finish
      84 84

  40. glengoyner scored this whisky 85 points Member Senior

    20/22/22/21

  41. liquid_spirit scored this whisky 80 points Expert Senior

    The 18y is in my opinion a very very successful senior, the A'bunadhs absolutely brilliant sherry bombs ... Had I here too high expectancy? The 12y NCF unfortunately disappointed me.
    • Nose
      79 79
    • Taste
      82 82
    • Finish
      80 80

  42. struijlaartmarijn scored this whisky 85 points Member Junior

    Nice rather sweet speysider. heavy on the sherry finish. mainly aroma's of dried fruit and caramel. Had it with a bite of dark chocolate with dried dit in, which realy itensified the palate
    • Nose
      86 86
      Rich, Sweet, sherry, raisins and plums. Caramel, a hint of strawberry. Oak is there. Oranges.
    • Taste
      85 85
      Fruity, sweet, oak, some cherries and vanilla, cinnamon, Chocolate covered fig, honey
    • Finish
      83 83
      warm, hint of chocolate, spicy, flower honey

  43. Abadon05 scored this whisky 80 points Expert Senior

    Pity about the alcohol in the nose. That cost a lot of points. Likewise the influence of the punch and less of the strawberry.
    • Nose
      79 79
      Strawberry and raspberry notes with a clear and noticeable alcohol note, which unfortunately also bothers. Reminiscent of strawberry owls.
      Some vanilla and licorice in the background. And glucose
    • Taste
      81 81
      Spicy. Dark honey and walnut. In addition a lot of lemon. The strawberry notes are darkening and now go in the direction of wine. After some time, some sweetness will be added.
    • Finish
      79 79
      Very dry and spicy with a medium long finish.
      Again, the strawberry tree comes clearly to light.

  44. Gaija scored this whisky 83 points Expert Senior

    As an addendum, I might add that I find surprising how some manage to rave about its fruitiness. This thing sure has its charms, on the nose mostly, but its fruitiness is ... far from obvious in my humble point of view. Reading things like tropical fruits, bananas, etc. in reviews of this malt makes me think that it's fascinating how perception can differ from person to person ... and makes me wonder what these people will use as descriptors when facing an early 90's Irish, then :D Anyway, to each their own ! The only truth is in the glass, and in the nostrils of the beholder. Slainte !

  45. Gaija scored this whisky 83 points Expert Senior

    It's certainly not as disappointing as I remembered but it's still very meh. The initial mouthfeel is seriously injured by over-woodiness : to think that's it's already something to fear at such young age ! Well, it's probably an improvement on the regular 12 anyway, and I couldn't say it's bad value for money.
    • Nose
      86 86
      Fairly neutral to begin with, rather malty, on brioche. Panettone, a few raisins. A slight red fruit twist arrives : 4-fruits jam. Good ! Fresh tobacco, Swedish bread. This last note becomes dominant, with this virile, dark cereal-y character. Not bad I must say. Later on there are even some nice and dense espresso notes. Better nose than I remembered.
    • Taste
      80 80
      Way too much moldy wood on the arrival I'm afraid, and the alcohol integration could be better. There's really a lot of wood dust upon arrival ... Fortunately, it seems transient, getting replaced by some hazelnuts and milk chocolate. A slight grape-y feeling as well. The nose was better though. I must say the texture is nice however, as expected from the NCF status.
    • Finish
      82 82
      Butter and hazelnuts. Wood dust. Short.

  46. Marko_I did not rate this whisky Connoisseur

    Happy to tasty. Significantly crosser, crisper, than the cozy 10 or 12 Sherry standard (but I think I'm probably a pseudo-expert only because non-chillfiltered draufsteht ;-)), I would say there were quite a few fresh Bourbon barrels with at least At work, he also reminds me a little bit of various virgin oak bottlings from other distilleries, which luckily you can enjoy lately. I mean: I like it! And price fits.

  47. anonymerlemur scored this whisky 83 points Expert Senior

    Overall, very full-bodied taste with neat malt and light chocolate notes. Rather undiluted recommended because the full-bodied is lost.
    • Nose
      82 82
      Light oak notes and reminds of strawberry yoghurt.
    • Taste
      86 86
      Full-bodied, malty and sweet. The alcohol content pinches a little and spice up the entire mouthfeel.
    • Finish
      84 84
      Long lasting and dominated by not very intense dark chocolate. Slightly medically after some time.

  48. Tano77 scored this whisky 83 points Member Senior

    • Nose
      83 83
    • Taste
      84 84
    • Finish
      82 82

  49. VollePulle scored this whisky 88 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      87 87
    • Taste
      88 88
    • Finish
      88 88

  50. Christian Wagner scored this whisky 83 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      84 84
    • Taste
      83 83
    • Finish
      83 83

  51. TheWhiskyDungeon scored this whisky 80 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      hardly any smell, citrus, vanilla
    • Taste
      sweet, banana, vanilla, wood, green apple

  52. Totoro scored this whisky 87 points Connoisseur

    Interestingly, the amount of sherry I get on the nose from this one varies from day to day. At any rate, it's massively fruity, with pineapple, grapefruit, banana, green grape, peach, and orange, The presence of marzipan, coconut, vanilla, and custard reveals the ex-bourbon-matured components. At this age, this is still a really vibrant malt with a nice wood influence on the nose. Similar in style to sherry-influenced Glenmorangies (e.g., the 18 of the Signet), which also combine a bourbon-matured base with added sherried richness. Water brings out the oak, adding a much-welcome dusty counterpart to the veritable cornucopia of fruit. Splashing in water adds a more mature chocolate element. I definitely recommend adding some.

    The sherry comes through unmistakably on the palate, though it's interwoven beautifully with the fruitiness. Creamy and sweet throughout, this is a majorly malty affair, with mouthwatering citric acidity in the beginning, then a slowly unfurling wave of reserved refill sherry aromas and, and some prickly wood coming in at long last. Good, sustained development on the palate.

    Clean and flawless finish. Ends on cocoa powder and dark chocolate, but with zero bitterness. Good staying power (praise be the ABV). Definitely a long finish, especially for its age.

    Great value, and leagues above the regular 12 "Double Cask". Highly recommended!

  53. Макс scored this whisky 87 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      89 89
    • Taste
      86 86
    • Finish
      86 86

  54. whiskyd scored this whisky 76 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      75 75
    • Taste
      75 75
    • Finish
      78 78

  55. FuturePerfect scored this whisky 89 points Expert Junior

    This is one of those whiskys that reward you for letting them stand a little longer. It varies in the nose and the well-integrated sherry influence leaves at times even fresher and flowery aromas enough scope. Not just for sherry friends a recommendation!
    • Nose
      89 89
      Fruity-strong sherry influence and delicate vanilla, but also light cereal notes, garden herbs, salt. A fresh, but again different fruity, syrup-like smell. Very interesting and multi-layered.
    • Taste
      88 88
      Stronger sherry, strong oak, cloves, very nutty, pleasantly woody, very full-bodied.
    • Finish
      89 89
      Oak sits on the tongue for a long time and warms it. With a very sweet sweetness he says goodbye.

  56. SweetPeat scored this whisky 86 points Member Senior

    Great whisky, great PLV. Intense, sweet, spicy and with nice drinking power. I'll sure get another bottle of it.
    • Nose
      Lots of sherry, dry fruits, malt, coconut, lots of vanilla, honey, citrus fruits (oranges and madarines), oak
    • Taste
      Very sweet, dried apricots and raisins, orange, vanilla, oak, chocolate (whole milk), some milk coffee
    • Finish
      Long (7/10) and malty with chocolate and coffee

  57. vb_bembel scored this whisky 85 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      84 84
    • Taste
      86 86
    • Finish
      86 86

  58. DonMa scored this whisky 85 points Expert Junior

    Yummy, was one of my first single malts
    • Nose
      Red fruits, chocolate, cinnamon
    • Taste
      Red fruit, chocolate, cinnamon and pleasantly spicy
    • Finish
      medium long, sweet, and in the end a slight sharpness

  59. Falnor scored this whisky 81 points Connoisseur

    By far better than the other young ob's from aberlour. More body, more depth etc. than the standard aberlour 12 double cask
    • Nose
      82 82
    • Taste
      83 83
    • Finish
      80 80

  60. Jasper1987 scored this whisky 81 points Member Junior

    I should love this whisky.. It has an age statement, 48%, its unchillfiltered and is natural colour.Smells a bit sharp at first. Fresh sherry notes; soft apple, white raisins, caramel and orange rind. Somethimes a whiff of coockie dough. Also quite spicy; cinnamon, clove, anise.

    My struggle with Aberlour is that to me it sometimes smells a bit artificial. But this is a huge step up over their 'normal' 12 (and even more so the 10 ) Very decent, but no love..

    ..yet.

  61. MM-Speyside scored this whisky 70 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      65 65
    • Taste
      76 76
    • Finish
      68 68

  62. oppi scored this whisky 80 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      85 85
    • Taste
      74 74
    • Finish
      73 73

  63. oppi scored this whisky 80 points Expert Senior

    It becomes stronger and slightly bitter with water
    • Nose
      Sherry fruity raisins

      At the second try much sweeter

      Vanilla ... reminds me of cow drops
    • Taste
      Sparkling alcoholic, stronger onset,

      Apple, citrus

      TrockenEtwas bitter, is sweeter when it is longer in the mouth.
    • Finish
      Medium length finish with citrus

  64. Calmar scored this whisky 84 points Connoisseur

    A young, sherry middle peasant, little by little, is no longer poor, but still far from rich, the fragrance has moved furthest away, against its background, the taste / finish lag behind. The heresy twelve liked more, despite the smaller fortress, it was more solid, deep.
    • Nose
      Restrained, dry, dusty furniture, furniture varnish, fried nuts, kvasnoe wort, earth notes, boiled condensed milk, caramel, oil tones - deep-fried pies with jam, baklava.
    • Taste
      Watery, tart, oak, burnt crackers, dark beer, caramel, cola.
    • Finish
      Refreshing, spicy, cola, ginger, burnt crackers, sour prunes.

  65. Rosebank88 scored this whisky 84 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      Gentle nutty malty, soft sherry, vanilla and some dried fruit like dried figs. Later also flambéed bananas, caramel, mint, creamy notes, cocoa and Kirschwasser.Insgesamt rather restrained. Will become drier and spicier over time. With water: very chocolaty, sponge cake, some cream and pickled fruits.
    • Taste
      Firm start with fine spices such as vanilla, pepper and cinnamon. Then full cherry fruitiness, dark gummy bears, canned peach, Black Forest cake, bourbon-like oak and some mint. With water: surprisingly spicy, pepper, allspice, oak, leather and a bit bubbly. Then follow cherry and mint.
    • Finish
      Long, beautifully spicy, cocoa, kirsch, mint and nuts.

  66. joerg.scheid scored this whisky 82 points Expert Junior

    • Nose
      80 80
    • Taste
      82 82
    • Finish
      83 83

  67. joerg.scheid scored this whisky 82 points Expert Junior

    • Nose
      Vanilla with honey.
    • Taste
      Sweetness and warmth, vanilla with honey and grassy notes.
    • Finish
      First sweet, later spices and strawberry. Strong sweet long finish.

  68. Regina_Schnecke scored this whisky 85 points Member Junior

    • Nose
      87 87
    • Taste
      85 85
    • Finish
      84 84

  69. DavidH. scored this whisky 85 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      84 84
    • Taste
      84 84
    • Finish
      84 84

  70. whiskyinstitut scored this whisky 86 points Connoisseur

    One of the best standards ever. Affordable strawberry whisky
    • Nose
      Strawberries and raspberries, quite perceptible alcohol, vanilla, oak, blind, I would rather expect a port maturation, with time, even find some tobacco
    • Taste
      The strawberries and raspberries are immediately present again, acidic to oak-accented peppery, light pungent on the tip of the tongue, with the time creamy, the second sip is a bit bitter but also set
    • Finish
      Slightly bitter oak at the beginning, very sweet after, the red fruits are also to be found again

  71. Olle912 scored this whisky 88 points Member Senior

    • Nose
      89 89
    • Taste
      88 88
    • Finish
      86 86

  72. Mannheimer scored this whisky 88 points Expert Junior

    Nice intensity due to the lack of cooling filtration. Variety of flavors significantly higher than the normal 12er, top class, PLV unbeatable.
    • Nose
      Beautiful sherry, strong and aromatic, chocolate, ripe plums, oranges. Touch of white fruits.
    • Taste
      Great, very sweet start with a lot of sherry, then milk chocolate, dates, raisins and plums. Coffee and kako in the background, cocoa notes become clearer on the second sip. Full and voluminous, beautiful!
    • Finish
      Long and spicy, sherry and coffee, no bitterness or just a touch.

  73. Corso_theRed scored this whisky 82 points Expert Senior

    My second Aberlour (after Abunadh #55) falls below expectations as well. The wood is too green and the sherry too fleeting for my taste. Yet it is rather on the tannic side of things, without any indication of balancing components like age-related depth or sweetness. Regardless, I enjoyed it as a daily sipper.
    • Nose
      Upfront there are rum raisins, icing sugar, and noticeable alcohol. Behind the initial sherry profile, there is an odd wood note. Associations of dry beech wood perhaps? Which is impossible of course! I recon these aromas were imparted by rejuvenated oak, infused with sherry of some denomination. However, with some air, one does find more traditional oakiness as well. Whatever they did, some casks seem to be rather lackluster IMHO.
    • Taste
      Decent arrival. Black pepper, curry, sweet tannins, caramel, and a touch of licorice. Then there it is again: a virgin woodiness that I only ever encountered in a DIY-maturation experiment with beech wood. Greenish associations and bitter saw dust, with a few chips of dried banana.
    • Finish
      Medium. Toffee and caramel fade rather quickly and leave behind a whisper of bitter cocoa powder.

  74. Rogier Engel scored this whisky 82 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      80 80
    • Taste
      83 83
    • Finish
      82 82

  75. rpvdwel scored this whisky 82 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      81 81
    • Taste
      83 83
    • Finish
      81 81

  76. WhiskyMonster scored this whisky 69 points Member Senior

    • Nose
      70 70
    • Taste
      60 60
    • Finish
      50 50

  77. WhiskyMonster scored this whisky 69 points Member Senior

    Hard to go wrong with this one, especially if it's on offer, but there are better Speysides out there.
    • Nose
      Raisins, marzipan and banana-flavoured sweets
    • Taste
      Good mouthfeel, neither too watery nor too sticky. The sweetness develops over time in a satisfying way. Not overly complex.
    • Finish
      A disappointingly swift finish given the age and strength. Some mild tobacco towards the end.

  78. Shane_IL scored this whisky 84 points Expert Senior

    This wasn’t hugely complex but it did have some very pleasant notes to it and they were quite bold thanks to the lack of chill filtration. I’d have liked to have felt the sherry a little more but on the whole for a decently priced 12 year old malt this was a nice one. Don’t see myself getting a bottle but I’d definitely enjoy a dram of it here and there.

    Reviewed in my blog:
    https://iwriteaboutstuffilike.com/2017/03/10/aberlour-12-non-chill-filtered/
    • Nose
      Quite a rich, toasted malt note. Honey, porridge. Dusty sherry. Light woodspice with cinnamon and sultanas. Creme Brulee. Stewed fruits with custard. Alcohol is a little too present, but nothing terrible.
    • Taste
      Tart fruits. Bitter wood. Sour cherries. Herbal honey. Nutmeg. Parsley and unsweetened Rooibos tea kind of flair for a moment on the palate at the end.
    • Finish
      Long. Parsley and rooibos notes from the palate carry over for just a bit, along with some orange peel and sea salt chocolate, and then a long dry fruit note with some hints of tannins.

  79. Donwaldorf scored this whisky 85 points Expert Senior

    A Whisky to own to share it with friends.
    • Nose
      A very sweet nose on caramel pear and oranges .... there is something warm that emerges.
    • Taste
      Alcohol well integrated, light on spices and wood. It is very oily in the mouth on orange and cereals.
    • Finish
      Nice length on coffee and bitterness.

  80. lachaineduwhisky did not rate this whisky Expert Senior

    Very fruity nose with generous caramel. Juicy mouth, well spiced, balanced. It's well done, very well done, even, but a little "simple", maybe. I'm missing some grip points that will make me remember this whisky other than "a good whisky". Super value for money!

    Enthusiasm 3/5

  81. BunnaHarz scored this whisky 86 points Member Senior

    • Nose
      86 86
    • Taste
      87 87
    • Finish
      85 85

  82. PeterCr scored this whisky 81 points Expert Junior

    Nose could be more interesting and lacks complexity. Taste is a lot more interesting and has some dynamics but spices overrule sweetness. Recognizable as Oloroso sherry cask influenced. Not bad value for its price. A few weeks after opening the alcohol calms a bit down.

    Score = 81/100
    • Nose
      Quite spicy attack on the nose. Red fruits, spicy notes and some oak. A bit one-dimensional.
    • Taste
      Dark fruits (dades), spicy notes (pepper, nutmeg and some ginger). Hint of caramel. Some nuts and butter notes as well.
    • Finish
      Finishing dry and quite spicy. Medium long finish.

  83. Matt80 scored this whisky 86 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      The strength of the alcohol comes through initially but then the typical Aberlour stewed dark fruits take over. A little mint and eucalyptus, toasted cinnamon bagel.

      With water - much more mellow, a tiny off note(musty), perfumed.
    • Taste
      Like the nose the alcohol hits immediately but then spicy fruit becomes prominent, a touch of nuttiness, quite oily in the mouth.

      With water - wood becomes a factor, bitter toffee.
    • Finish
      Medium/long, oak, spicy, a touch bitter.

      With water - bitter toffee and oak.

  84. John Barleycorn scored this whisky 83 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      83 83
    • Taste
      84 84
    • Finish
      82 82

  85. Marko_I did not rate this whisky Connoisseur

    Tasty, sweet, tasty, not too complex, beginner friendly, 35-40 € fit.
    • Nose
      sweet and fruity, lots of milk chocolate, orange (orange peel, orange marmalade), fruit gum, cinnamon, a little ginger
    • Taste
      here too much milk chocolate and orange, a little nut, caramel, cinnamon, very tasty, one can "suck" for a long time without it becoming bitter
    • Finish
      medium length, velvety, chocolate sweet, almonds, slight sharpness

  86. Opeth83 scored this whisky 80 points Expert Senior

    This is just too one-dimensional for me, very big chocolate, orange and oloroso influence. It feels very young and little bit unbalanced, i prefer the regular 10 and 18. 
    • Nose
      82 82
    • Taste
      78 78
    • Finish
      78 78

  87. Alex scored this whisky 85 points Connoisseur

    great balance for a 12 year old between sherry, fruits, honey and chocolate. The finish is the best part, surprisingly long, fizzy with a nice sweet/light bitter combo

  88. Alex scored this whisky 85 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      82 82
    • Taste
      84 84
    • Finish
      87 87

  89. Gloin scored this whisky 85 points Expert Senior

    The alcohol note at the beginning was very disturbing, but maybe it was my daily form. After that had gone, I liked the whisky well, not too strong dominance of sherry, strength and independence, only the finish could be more expressive.
    • Nose
      At the first moment unfortunately something stings the nose, so I let him breathe for a moment ... after a while it gets better, but does not disappear completely. Now it goes: intense orange, not sweet, ginger, slightly sour, basil, sherry in the background, fresh, slightly freshly cut wood, tart apple, maple syrup Now after 10 minutes the alcohol has completely disappeared and the whisky sweetened
    • Taste
      Gentle onset and soft body, immediately orange again, chocolate, acidic filter coffee, a little oak with a delicate bitterness, leeks
    • Finish
      Sweet oak, very warm, a reminder of the oranges, medium long

  90. Fable scored this whisky 86 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      85 85
    • Taste
      85 85
    • Finish
      86 86

  91. mrmoguz did not rate this whisky Member Senior

    Known so far from Aberlour just a few batches from A'bunadh, which all taste very good to me. This 12-year-old could convince me fully. Without water very fruity from beginning to end, with the sherry influence does not drown the rest, but everything plays very well together. The same is true with a few drops of water, which help the whisky to open. With more water, it becomes drier and dark chocolate comes along with the barrel. In the mouth istver oily and dry. An excellent whisky.

  92. Mr.Edradour scored this whisky 84 points Connoisseur

    Rich, complex and well balanced sherry cask whisky.

  93. Mr.Edradour scored this whisky 84 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      85 85
    • Taste
      85 85
    • Finish
      82 82

  94. Crann feàrna scored this whisky 85 points Expert Senior

    Of the younger Aberlours with age statement, this is the best. I never had a bad Aberlour. All are good.
    • Nose
      w/o water - sweet red fruit. Treacle. Metallic touch. Grain sugars.
      w/ water - much sweeter. Red over-ripe apples. Orange peel.
    • Taste
      w/o water - sweet arrival. Direct development to ginger heat.
      w/ water - gentle, sweet arrival. Long, sweet development.
    • Finish
      w/o water - long sweet finish
      w/ water - light soury citrus finish with apple butter.

  95. domani scored this whisky 89 points Expert Senior

    Very beautiful, full, aromatic and lovely single malt that offers a lot - 23.08.2014
    • Nose
      Fruity, strawberry, cherry, chocolate, Mon Chéri, cane sugar, romaine truffle, raisins, plum, sherry
    • Taste
      Sweet, malty, chocolates, cherry, raisins, dark chocolate, bitterness
    • Finish
      Lang

  96. Dramned! scored this whisky 89 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      90 90
    • Taste
      90 90
    • Finish
      89 89

  97. Dramned! scored this whisky 89 points Expert Senior

    I already tried some Aberlour and could not get really warm with any, not even with the much praised 18yo. In the nose, they were all very promising, but then disappointed me on the palate. They were then rather flat and seemed to me watered down. Everything is different here The high alcohol content and the lack of cooling filtration make this 12-year-old a true experience. The nose is very beautiful and complex, as with the others. On the tongue, he then really gas! A strong, full-bodied and complex variety of flavors, which I had never before in such a Aberlour. Great! If they now process all their whiskys so favorably and respect the taste desires of most whisky lovers would - and maybe even do without the bad coloring - Aberlour could rise into the ranks of my favorite distilleries.
    • Nose
      Despite the high 48% and quite young age barely perceptible alcohol, dark fruit compote, spices, plums, cherries, raisins, spicy oak flavors, a little vanilla,
    • Taste
      Intensive voluminous onset, licorice (the first time that I taste something like that!), Licorice, a whole fruit basket of aromas, a beautiful dry and salivating sweetness, very full-bodied and complex
    • Finish
      a nice sharpness, medium long with a mild sherry note and tart-spicy wood flavors

  98. Dalm did not rate this whisky Expert Senior

    Aroma: sweet, fruity, sherry, strawberry, in the background vanilla, honey, chocolate and raisins
    Taste: intense, sherry, dark fruits, oily, oak / alcohol prickle
    Finish: long, oak, dark chocolate

  99. Laugenbretzel scored this whisky 81 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      80 80
    • Taste
      85 85
    • Finish
      75 75

  100. Glennie scored this whisky 88 points Expert Senior

    It's pretty much like a well behaved A'bunadh.

    It lacks a bit in boldness and character, but the full 12 years makes it a bit more balanced.

    I like it. Do I like it as much as A' bunadh? Hmmm... that's difficult to say? I will say that it depends on the A'bunadh batch and my mood. So pretty close race.
    • Nose
      88 88
    • Taste
      88 88
    • Finish
      86 86

  101. Wolv scored this whisky 86 points Expert Senior

    on my re-buy list; I think that says all
    • Nose
      nuits, vanilla, butterscotch, raisins, resin, conifer forest, sherry
    • Taste
      barley, vanilla, nuits, butterscotch, bitter almonds, oak wood
    • Finish
      long and smooth

  102. Cicero did not rate this whisky Expert Senior

    a beautiful Aberlour
    soft and gentle, but the 48% Alk adds the power that most 40% Aberlours lack
    tasty and tasty
    nice sherry whisky
    • Nose
      a lot of sherry, red fruits, plums
      a touch of cinnamon
      mint
    • Taste
      strong start
      behind it then soft and mild as it is typical for Aberlour
      Oranges and milk chocolate
    • Finish
      sweet with oak

  103. ApricotOne scored this whisky 86 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      86 86
    • Taste
      87 87
    • Finish
      87 87

  104. hartist scored this whisky 84 points Expert Senior

    Nice access to superior range whiskys at more than fair price.
    • Nose
      Pastry, oranges in marmalade, caramel and coffee, spices, honey, menthol plants, mushrooms and its moist earth: these are the scents that tickle your sense of smell.
    • Taste
      Rich and unctuous mouth: hints of oranges, honey, coffee, spices (cloves), but also more grassy like fennel compete for your palate.
    • Finish
      Pleasantly long, it is articulated on notes of milk chocolate scented with bitter oranges.

  105. Maczet scored this whisky 84 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      84 84
    • Taste
      82 82
    • Finish
      82 82

  106. BXpress scored this whisky 84 points Expert Senior

    good one. certainly helped by the generous 48%
    • Nose
      coffee, to be specific praline with coffee cream filling. strawberries, some smoked ham. nutty, leaning towards almonds, lots of spices too.
    • Taste
      dried out chocolate cake with cherries, dry spices, parsley, oregano, very thick. an over dosed cup of instant coffee. dried fruits.
    • Finish
      a little short, sour cherries and bitter sweet chocolate. very dry.

  107. NamorX68 scored this whisky 82 points Expert Junior

    • Nose
      81 81
    • Taste
      82 82
    • Finish
      81 81

  108. Goethe scored this whisky 88 points Connoisseur

    Quite a rich sherry moment for a "twelve" year old. Well balanced. There are some older cask involved here maturing the flavour.

    Concerning price/performance ratio: 9/10
    • Nose
      Sherry, dried fruit, vanilla, rasins, resinous, a hint of glue, chocolate, fir cone.
    • Taste
      Sherry, dried fruit pudding, plum marmalade, rich oak, cumin, burned brown sugar.
    • Finish
      Medium. Sweetes (honey) alternating with dried fruits.

  109. mortimer scored this whisky 83 points Member Senior

    • Nose
      86 86
    • Taste
      83 83
    • Finish
      79 79

  110. Dieter_W scored this whisky 83 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      83 83
    • Taste
      84 84
    • Finish
      80 80

  111. Dieter_W scored this whisky 83 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
        something completely different after a nice glue note. Pinewood, hard, sweet, blackberries, fruit gums.
      The smell of glue is not everyone's thing.
    • Taste
      beautiful noble wood notes. dry, licorice, bitter almond, espresso, coffee
    • Finish
      a little short but beautiful creamy from the bitterness is no longer felt.

  112. Ana Chronist scored this whisky 86 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      87 87
    • Taste
      85 85
    • Finish
      86 86

  113. Wolv scored this whisky 86 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      86 86
    • Taste
      85 85
    • Finish
      84 84

  114. Tomh scored this whisky 84 points Expert Junior

    • Nose
      86 86
    • Taste
      84 84
    • Finish
      84 84

  115. taldish scored this whisky 90 points Member Senior

    • Nose
      91 91
    • Taste
      86 86
    • Finish
      90 90

  116. Crann feàrna scored this whisky 85 points Expert Senior

    Arguably the best age expression of Aberlour. Less agressive as 10yo, more kick than the older ages. Nicer balance than the 12 yo double matured
    • Nose
      83 83
    • Taste
      86 86
    • Finish
      88 88

  117. Willie JJ scored this whisky 89 points Expert Senior

    This stuff is great. I respect Aberlour, but this stuff is much better of similar age and provenance. If ever there was a case for NCF and higher strength this is it.
    • Nose
      Crystalised fruit and Ginger. Richly malty and unusually floral. This is an excellent nose. I'm impressed.
    • Taste
      Again with the rich malt on the palate, but it's bursting with spicy fruity goodness.
    • Finish
      Spiced sugars come in waves, with fruit notes bursting through.

  118. Hvdree scored this whisky 86 points Connoisseur

    sherry, fruits, honey, spices, i really like this one
    • Nose
      86 86
    • Taste
      87 87
    • Finish
      86 86

  119. nathanyael scored this whisky 86 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      86 86
    • Taste
      87 87
    • Finish
      86 86

  120. KayMeertens scored this whisky 84 points Connoisseur

    OK quality in its price range, bit I do have a slight preference for the 15 YO (ID 28757) which is for some reason cheaper than this one.
    • Nose
      Almonds, cloves, sherry, caramel, orange, grapes and malt.
    • Taste
      Orange, vanilla, cloves, caramel, milk chocolate, malt, roasted almonds, white pepper and marzipan.
    • Finish
      Orange, almonds and milk chocolate.

  121. Erik Elixir scored this whisky 86 points Connoisseur

    N: butterscotch, meaty, lots of spices and chocolate cookies
    T: dried fruits, orange, grape fruits and spices - curry and pepper
    F: drying, custard and again spices - mint and nutmeg 

  122. I_SPEY scored this whisky 88 points Expert Senior

    Nose: malty and little hints of butterscotch;  fruity and spicy 

    Taste: sweet, malty and honey; spicy, with an oily mouth feel  

    Raisins, (bitter)oranges and chocolate.

    Finish: long with a peppery touch at the end.

    Good, enjoyable whisky!

  123. Master Quill scored this whisky 82 points Expert Senior

    For the same money you can get an 12 Double Cask matured which is less burnt wood and much more nice Sherry. Yet yourself the last batch of the old label. (New Label might be good, since I haven`t tried it yet)

  124. Dr.Nose scored this whisky 87 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      Soft sherry tones, red fruit, delicious spicy and
      cherry chocolates.
    • Taste
      Chocolate, spicy and a little bit sweetness.
    • Finish
      Medium long, spicy and again some chocolate (pure).

  125. Jean-Brice scored this whisky 85 points Expert Senior

    Gouted in blind. Well done. Good ratio q / p and deserve to be regouted after a few months of aeration in bottle.
    • Nose
      A sherry that is both special but classic. Dry at first, then round and roasted afterwards.
      Red fruits and candied fruit. A little wood and caramel.
    • Taste
      Alcohol well integrated. Mouth in continuity of the nose.
    • Finish
      Average.

  126. mmaclean scored this whisky 85 points Connoisseur

    This 12 yr is like a candy coated apple. I like the fresh fruit

    overtones. This 12 yr when you have a splash and start to taste the true

    essence of Aberlour you start to begin the real meaning of Scotch. I

    believe Scotch should be in a class all to its self than just being categorized as whisky. Enjoy this now and forever.

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