Aberlour 10 Year Old

Nose: First cherry and orange with leather. Becoming both lighter and simpler: orange rind and cashews. Later even lighter with vanilla developing.

Palate: Punchy sour orange entrance; leather and cream with flower petals; then butterscotch and bitter nutmeg.

Finish: Dry, remaining hints of citrus, with nutmeg on flower petals.

This is a good enjoyable malt, if a little sour and bitter (compared to smoother alternatives). Next to the 18, the aromas and flavors come across as almost weak. Nevertheless an enjoyable light sherry malt, especially for the creamy palate; if it had been my first then it would have been quite convincing.