Aberlour A’bunadh Batch 45 issued 2013 60.2%

A familiar sort of profile, sherry over Speyside, but where you expect eloquence and richness, here the Aberlour feels rather firm and standoffish. Its a forced marriage it seems and the drippy richness of the sherry hasn’t quite melded fully into the spirit, making an otherwise decent sherry a velvet veneer and demonstrates why some things cannot be rushed. All the hallmarks of a decadent sherry are there only it wants time to unfurl, and the young Aberlour still speaks of a minerality stoniness and soot, with hints of angelica and chlorophyll. Best with water and plenty of time. 87 pts