Aberlour Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Aberlour single malt Scotch whisky is a Speyside classic, celebrated for its rich, full-bodied character and deep sherry cask influence. Founded in 1879 by James Fleming, a man known for his insistence on quality and his motto “Let the Deed Show,” Aberlour has built a reputation for whiskies that balance fruity distillery character with layers of sweet spice, nuttiness, and warmth from carefully selected oak.

The distillery is located in the village of Aberlour, at the heart of Speyside, on the banks of the River Spey and the Burn of Aberlour. This location provides an abundant supply of soft, pure water, a key ingredient in crafting the distillery’s smooth spirit. Aberlour has rebuilt and modernised several times due to fire and expansion, but has always retained a commitment to traditional methods, including copper pot still distillation and the use of high-quality casks.

One of Aberlour’s defining features is its dual cask maturation. The distillery is renowned for ageing its whiskies in a combination of American oak ex-bourbon barrels and European oak sherry butts. The ex-bourbon casks contribute vanilla, honey, and creamy textures, while the sherry casks add dried fruit, Christmas cake richness, and warming spice. The result is a depth and complexity that has become a signature of the house style.

Aberlour’s core range includes the 12 Year Old, often available in both double cask matured and non-chill-filtered variants, offering a rounded, accessible introduction to the distillery’s profile. The 16 Year Old and 18 Year Old bring greater oak influence and richer layers of fruit and spice. Perhaps the most famous expression is A’bunadh, meaning “the origin” in Scots Gaelic, a cask strength, exclusively sherry-matured whisky released in numbered batches. A’bunadh has developed a cult following for its intensity, richness, and powerful flavour, often delivering notes of dark chocolate, raisin, orange zest, and baking spices.

Independent bottlings of Aberlour also appear on the market, sometimes offering single cask examples that highlight different aspects of the spirit, from lighter, orchard-fruit-led styles to heavily sherried, almost port-like drams. Regardless of the cask type, Aberlour’s underlying character tends to shine through: ripe fruit, malt sweetness, and a long, satisfying finish.

The distillery’s popularity extends far beyond Scotland, with strong followings in France, Spain, and the US. In fact, Aberlour is consistently among the best-selling single malts in France, a market that values its approachable richness and sherried depth. Its reputation as a Speyside heavyweight makes it a go-to choice for both newcomers to single malt and seasoned drinkers looking for a reliable, flavour-packed dram.

Our Aberlour Single Malt Scotch Whisky selection covers the breadth of the distillery’s style, from the approachable 12 Year Old to the bold and uncompromising A’bunadh, as well as older age statements and limited releases. Whether you enjoy your whisky neat, with a drop of water, or as part of a comparative tasting alongside other Speyside malts, Aberlour offers a consistent balance of tradition, craft, and character that makes it a standout in Scotland’s most famous whisky region.