Aberlour A'bunadh

Well, I did it. I finally bought a bottle of Aberlour A'Bunadh. This won't be the first time to taste this fine Single Malt Scotch Whisky, but it will be the first time to do so at home, nestled into my couch with my laptop. :) In fact, I did as I thought I would, and purchased TWO bottles, one bottle of Batch 21 and one bottle of Batch 18. This review is from Batch 18.

Batch 18 is bottled at 59.7% ABV. The color in the glass (not just in the bottle), is a dark, burnt copper.

Nose: Full sherry! Wow. That is just like I expected, but maybe even moreso. I am getting the full range of aromas typical of sherried drams: butterscotch, toffee, caramel, berry fruits, cinnamon, nutmeg, orange marmalade, brown sugar, Werther's Original hard candies, etc... Unbelievably delicious!

Palate: Powerful spice up front! Warming in the mouth, just like Macallan Cask Strength. Wonderful candy caramel on the tongue!

Finish: Huh? Pretty short finish. Nice spicy overlays. Warming in the back. I'm not sure why this powerful, cask strength whisky has such a short finish.

I remember some whiskies can actually get a longer finish if you add a few drops of water. The problem is I poured a pretty healthy dram, and I don't want to waste it if I don't like the addition of water.