Aberlour 12 Years Double Cask Review: A Luxurious Whisky With Soft Sherry Notes

Since 1897, Aberlour has been creating single malts adored by whisky enthusiasts. Their 12 Years Double Cask combines bourbon and sherry barrels - but does that truly deliver the full flavour the bottle promises?

With the Aberlour 12 Years Double Cask whisky, the distillery produces a whisky that matured in two different types of barrels. It allows the characteristics of various types of wood to converge in a single bottle. This time we taste test the Aberlour 12 Years Double Cask to find out if their promise is genuinely fulfilled.

The Aberlour 12 Years Double Cask is delivered in a sturdy, round cardboard tube, with a metal base and top. It immediately exudes luxury, even though the whisky doesn't command the highest price. It grants enough confidence that the bottle will not suddenly fall out of the bottom when you pick up the box. Something we can't say for all storage containers.

Furthermore, you don't need to worry about the bottle breaking, as Aberlour's bottles are made from round thick glass without unnecessary frills. Only the brand name is embossed onto the glass. The bottle also has a thick neck and a generous opening, making it nearly impossible to pour a small glass of Aberlour.

Not that the latter is a bad thing, for the Aberlour 12 Years Double Cask drinks delightfully smooth. When the amber liquid touches your tongue, you're immediately welcomed by a soft, fruity and somewhat fresh taste. Where a refreshing whisky sometimes fails to hold the flavor and you can clearly taste the alcohol, the Aberlour 12 Years Double Cask continues to showcase the characteristics of the Sherry barrels.

The fresh character transitions to a very rich and full taste, striking a perfect balance between a fruity aroma, chocolate, and a slight hint of wood. The whisky also has a lingering finish, but not in an unpleasant way. It's an ideal whisky for colder months to pamper your tongue and warm your body inside.

However, if you're a fan of whiskies that hit hard or leave a distinct burn in your throat, then the Aberlour 12 Years Double Cask isn't for you. In that case, you might prefer a bottle from the island of Islay.

The Aberlour 12 Years Double Cask is the most affordable bottle the brand has to offer, but everything about it screams that it's far from cheap whisky. The presentation is classic and luxurious, which lets us mention the beautiful wooden cap.

Moreover, it excellently showcases the blend of characteristics of the oak and Sherry barrels. It offers a full, rich taste that glides smoothly on the tongue. With such an introduction, we're curious to see what Aberlour has to offer next.

+ Acceptable price tag
+ Fruity, yet robust and rich flavor
+ Beautifully presented
- Not for lovers of heavier whiskies