Aberlour A'Bunadh batch 36

Having just been duped at a bar (I thought I was getting batch 28 but instead I got something that may not have been Aberlour at all) I needed to get back in the saddle.

Batch 36 is what I have open, so batch 36 I poured. The bottle was half full, opened for a whisky tasting on January 2 of this year and preserved with gas at each opening.

Bear in mind I do have a mild cold so this review is courtesy of xylometazoline 0.1%:

Nose: spirit, but classic sherry goodness is there a little chocolate, but no dried fruits. Some green grapes or granny smith apples.

Palate: Harsher than most other batches. I usually put just one or two drops of water in but this one took about a half to one teaspoon for a 20 cc pour. sherry, a little sourness. Again, none of the raisins or prunes of the other batches really steps forward.

Finish is short, a little astringent. Not unpleasant.

This is probably my least favourite batch, though I may have to put it head to head with the 38 ( I have archived samples put away. So why is it I still have a spare bottle of 36 and 38? Maybe I should see if I can trade up...

In any event, it's much better than the mystery spirit I was given 2 days ago...