Best Abunad´h Batch

[Ganga]

Sunday, I ran through a tasting of Batches 6 through 18 with some other people. There was no general consensus on what was the best. Favorites included batches 6, 7, 8, 14. Batch 17 was right behind this group. Batch 16 was the least favorite of the group.

I guess I need to go on a quest for batches 19-21 now.

[Sherried Malt]

Hey, isn't it enough to have that many?

Quilters have a saying, "She who dies with the most fabric wins." Think it applies to whisky too...

[Willie JJ]

Yeah you can keep your embalming fluid. I'll stick with whisky.

[Willie JJ]

Have you tried drinking embalming fluid then?

Well I've tried a couple of Ledaigs that I thought might have been.

[Ryguy]

Have you tried drinking embalming fluid then?

Well I've tried a couple of Ledaigs that I thought might have been.

Ledaig is that good huh...I'd have to say it's one I've not yet tried.

[Willie JJ]

It's just incredibly variable ryguy. I've had some wonderful Ledaig, but I've also had some real rubbish, so its always a bit of a lottery when you buy one.

[lincoln imp]

My favourite is batch 19. Even without water it is smooth, though i prefer a few drops with mine

[Newbie]

Just saw a Abunadh batch 22 at my local Waitrose!!
I brought a batch 20 just before xmas so what the heck happened to batch 21?!?!?

This probably isn't the best of places to post this but I didn't want to start a new thread.

Strangely theres also a batch 16 there as well, do you think its worth getting?

[Sherried Malt]

Just saw a Abunadh batch 22 at my local Waitrose!!
I brought a batch 20 just before xmas so what the heck happened to batch 21?!?!?

I don't think every batch number is distributed to every country. I can get Batch 18, 19 and 21 very easily in the US, but none of the retailers here has ever seen a 20. Or so they claim...

[Leither]

Yip, looks like #20 was for here and #21 for the other side of the pond.

Newbie, I've had the 16 and it's good but not as good as the 20 - if I were you I'd go for the new batch 22, just released, and tell us what you think of it

[Newbie]

Yip, looks like #20 was for here and #21 for the other side of the pond.

Newbie, I've had the 16 and it's good but not as good as the 20 - if I were you I'd go for the new batch 22, just released, and tell us what you think of it

Ahh I see, thats very informative! Because from what the members from the States are saying 21 sounds like a good batch.

I almost brought batch 22 but I am going down to London soon and wanted to save some cash to buy some rarer bottles which I can't get up here! Maybe in a few weeks...

But I do like Waitrose tho, Abunadh for £30!! Even cheaper before xmas!

[Ryguy]

I believe that you will find that LSD (east coast) has had the 20. I just think that my major outlets here in the Southland got a righteous stock of the 18 as they have been selling it for more than half a year at the $50 mark instead of the usual $60.

What it means is I will have to keep an eye out at some other stores to find these.

Last week I ordered a bottle, not knowing what Batch # it was, because they couldn't tell me at my local dealer ($71.38 after tax). I picked it up today and I ended up with a bottle of Batch 18. It's my 1st bottle of A'Bunadh, so I'm looking forward to trying it out.

ok, and the 18...? I think it kicks a**. I smell it and it says wine all over. ah, lovely. almost as good as the smell of money.

Now I really can't wait!!

[lohssanami]

I found this on Wikipedia if you wanted to know the dates of each batch. I didn't confirm how accurate it is, but it's a start.

1 thru 5 - 59.6% 1997
6 - 59.9% 1999
Silver Label - 58.7% 1999
7 - 59.9% 2000
8 - 60.2% 2001
9 - 60% 2002
10 - 59.8% 2003
11 - 59.8% 2003
12 - 60% 2004
13 - 59.8% 2004
14 - 59.5% 2005
15 - 59.6% 2005
16 - 59.6% 2005
17 - 60.2% 2006
18 - 59.7% 2006
19 - 59.9% 2007
20 - 60.5% 2007
21 - 59.5% 2007

[Ganga]

Unless someone has gone back in and edited the list I confirmed batches 6 through 18 on Wikipedia back around May/June.

[lohssanami]

I just added Batch 21 to this list.

Ganga, what batches have you found still available in the US? At least that you know about?

I've only found 1 batch 15 locally.
B19 and B21 are readily available here.

[Ganga]

Batch 18 seems to be available everywhere down here. I also have two of Batch 10 and one of Batch 12 located. I've been told that Wine & Liquor Depot has Batch 21. In December, they were still stocking Batch 18.

[blawder]

Batch 21 is all I can find in southern GA and northern FL. We had Batch 20 for a spell...and before that I was not nosing malts...pre-history.

[mikeymad]

I think that distribution has a lot to do with the various Batch discrepancies in the US. I think that various markets get different amounts of the batches, and the batches are only so big. Some move faster than others. I don't think that most distributors would consider the Batch 18 any different than the Batch 19. All they know is that they have Abunad´h setting in their warehouse. They reorder it when it runs out, not just because their is a new batch available. I saw a jump all the way from Batch 13 to Batch 18 at a small store.

Just drink you batch and like it!!!

Cheers,

.

[CorvallisCracker]

I've begun to doubt that batch 20 was ever acquired by the OLCC (Oregon Liquor Control Commision) for redistribution to the state-owned liquor stores (the only kind here in Oregon). I'd been watching for it and today a local store got in a shipment of batch 21.

A nearby store has a dusty box of batch 15. Given a choice of 15, 19, or 21, what would y'all reccomend?

(I already have a bottle of 18 - I like it, but would certainly like to try something better)

[SoMK]

15 is a tad sulphury but gets better with time and anyway, the sulphur isn't that distracting in this case..
19 is more coffeeish than the winey 18 and 21 is very sherried/fruity/orangey but I don't know why, it's way too close to a Xmas cake to my taste, a bit "shiny".. It lacks depth of the 20, imho.
I'd go for the 19 but that's just me and I'm not sure I'll say the same thing is 2 hours *gotta taste them again, to be sure you know..*

[Willie JJ]

Interesting what SoMK says about batch 15. I hate to condemn a dram and after a lot of time with 15 I grew to like it. It is sulphury though. It just depends whether or not you're ok with that. Sounds like 19 and 21 are better. 22 has a sulphur note again. Not bad, but very noticeable.

[Willie JJ]

Nick I was at an amazing tasting tonight. Mostly Mortlach and sulphur featured heavily, but the good drams weren't good, they were fantastic. I will try and report properly tomorrow if I can remember.

Cheers

[Willie JJ]

Actually it was just a bunch of enthusiasts. We provided the bottles and our good ladies provided the patience, alongside some excellent food. It is the best way IMO although I attend other tastings whenever possible and have made a lot of friends that way. Its been a busy week though.

[Reggaeblues]

Interesting what SoMK says about batch 15. I hate to condemn a dram and after a lot of time with 15 I grew to like it. It is sulphury though. It just depends whether or not you're ok with that. Sounds like 19 and 21 are better. 22 has a sulphur note again. Not bad, but very noticeable.

Well, my singer just left me with a taste of the 22 she bought today in waitrose. I've currently got it glass to glass with the much lauded 20...

the 20 has a slightly drier nose , maybe more oaky/grassy/ peaty...but only a touch. the 22 seems a tad more fruity on the nose, but there's little in it. the 22 tastes a tad more winey and I detect at ouch o perfume...like those parma violet biscuits, or even white chocolate.

the 20 sipped immediately after the 22 gives me wine gums, a pleasant note which lingers. the finish has a hint of madeira sponge cake.

Back to the 22...a hint of orange, and of ginger nuts(the biscuits!) on the finish...

Willie, I'm drammed if I can find an offnote in either! I wonder where is this sulfur of which you speak? I cannot find any lit matches, or eggs...but I did a slight hint of acetone sniffing the bottle of the 22 immediately after opening(Those waxed up a'bunadhs are such fun to open!) but this softens.

This A/B review has been great fun! Each is subtly different. the 22 perhaps `a tad more complex.

Both are hugely enjoyable IMHO!

[Reggaeblues]

BTW this test was carried out without water...so far!

I've just added a tiny drop to my last little gulpette of 22...it gets sweeter, and reminds me of the Glemnmorangie Lasanta i had at my gig tonight.

yes, the Globe in Brentford IS a good gig! Particularly so tonight...and they always have good whisky!

I invite you all to our next gig there on thursday April 17th...

This batch 22 is moreish, in a non-sulfured sort of way. 'Scuse me while i finish my sample...

[oldrip57]

LOL. I'm primarily a bourbon drinker, but there is nothing like the A'Bunadh batching in American whiskey (the closest is the annual Evan Williams single-barrel vintage releases, I think). I have Batches 8 and 16 open, and 9 and 14 on the shelf. I'm tempted to buy each as I find it or it comes available here, and try them all.
Of course, then I'll repair to my garret and pour a splash of some non-descript, but nonetheless exceptionally unappreciated, bourbon along the lines of Very Old Heaven Hill 10yo Bottled In Bond (available only in Kentucky for $12 or so), and ponder why any of this matters...

[lohssanami]

Hey oldrip57!

Maybe you could give me your opinion on Corner Creek. I've only tasted a few bourbons, and I'm still learning how to actually appreciate alcohol. Since you know alot of these, maybe you could give me your opinion.

I really like the way it smells, but it seems to drop off after that. You?

Oh...and to stay on forum topic, A'bunadh Silver is on Ebay.

[Lawrence]

Oh...and to stay on forum topic, A'bunadh Silver is on Ebay.

He's being trying to sell that bottle forever, he's just now switched from GBP to US$,,,,,,,,,,,,

Lawrence

(I have two of the silver label)

[oldrip57]

...Maybe you could give me your opinion on Corner Creek...

Well, frankly, I wouldn't cut my teeth on Corner Creek. It's from Kentucky Bourbon Distillers' (the Kulsveens') warehouses, bottled for an outfit in Florida. The best I could say for it is it's non-descript. I can say worse, if pressed.
As for the label copy, the general consensus is that the copywriter probably didn't know what the hell he/she was talking about, and thus it sounds like it's a four-grain. On the other hand, it's possible it's a 'marriage' of already-distilled wheated and rye recipes, but I doubt it. In any case, 'muddied' is an appropriate term, I think.

[lohssanami]

Well, frankly, I wouldn't cut my teeth on Corner Creek...'muddied' is an appropriate term, I think.

Good...then I have no where to go but up with bourbons. Thanks for honest opinion.

He's being trying to sell that bottle forever, he's just now switched from GBP to US$,,,,,,,,,,,,

When did the silver first get released? Have you tasted it yet?

[Lawrence]

[quote="lohssanami When did the silver first get released? [/quote]

The silver label was released for the millenium.

[Deactivated Member]

I recently tried some Batch 20 and it was exceptionally good!

In the past I based all my opinions on an earlier batch which I tried in another Munich bar. I don't know which batch it was, but it was a massive disappointment, lacking that oooomph and it seemed very weak and watery.

I have now reversed my opinion and am a fan of this super whisky.
MT

[Reggaeblues]

Indeed, MT, and if you read my earlier post, you will understand why, for me, tho' batch 14 was memorable, there's really only been a gnat's hair of a difference in any of the batches I've tried. the first was my neighbour's 13. Great! Made me want one for meself. I got a 14. Loved it. I've since had 15-17...took a break, as one sometimes does(too much of a good thing, etc.)

Jumped back in with the 20. Damn fine! Saturday night I did my A/B with the 20 v. the new 22, which according to willie has a sulphur note. Damned if i could find it!

Definite nuances between the two, but no more than nuances.

This whisky is simply great fun.

come to think of it, i tried the 19 twice in a pub i play, BION!! that too was great, with, as i recall an accented "cherry linctus" note.

[laddie teun]

Next week we'll finaly know which batch is teh best
During the Speyside festival alex and I will be hosting a tasting with all batches (including the sterling Silver one) up to 23
we had prefered doing this in one long session. But that didn't really comply with responsibly dirnking in the UK.....
so now it's for sessions over two days
May 7th and 8th in the Craigellachie hotel
For those interested please check the Spirit of Speyside website
http://www.spiritofspeyside.com/events. ... 2009-05-07

[Lawrence]

I'll wager the Sterling Silver and Batch 14 do exceedingly well.

A grand idea byt the way, I wish I could join you.

Lawrence