Aberlour 1988, Distiller's Selection

Tasted in Whisky Magazine Issue 2 by Michael Jackson and Jim Murray.

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Tasting Notes

Michael Jackson Nose Oaky, nutty, fudgey. Palate Good depth of deliciously fresh, layered, malty, butterscotch flavours, developing to liquorice-toffee and anise. Finish Crystalised ginger. Warming. Comment An astonishingly malty whisky. For someone who wants to taste the eponymous ingredient, this shows it at its best.

Jim Murray Nose Light, malty and vaguely citric, the weight is supplied by some soft sherry tones spoiled slightly by a tad too much sulphur. Palate Immediate flavour explosion of quite fabulous sweet, buttery malt and richer sherry tones. Just a hint of smoke fills out the middle. Finish Caramel, sherry and liquorice make for a rich finish. The drier vanillins come in at the death. Comment To taste, this is a lively malt of pleasing depth. Only the nose somewhat spoils the show.