Aberlour 12 Year Old Double Cask Matured

Smooth with slight smoke. Easy drinking

26th March 2019

A touch of sweetness (maybe raisin and apple?) with some oak and a nice spicy finish, but not too overpowering. I think I get a tiny hint of fudge or similar, too. The Aberlour range (Aberlour 10) was my first venture into 'nice' whisky terrirory so I'll always have a sweet spot for their whiskies. I haven't purchased the 12 for a while so it's nice to revisit an old friend. When obtained at the discounted price (can often be found for around £28) I think it's a great buy and though I am still learning, I think it makes for a lovely dram without being too complex, i.e the peatiness of Laphroaigh (which I love), or peppery notes of Talisker (the ones I have tried, anyway). Give it a try, even if it isn't exactly to your taste it would be very difficult to vehemently dislike it. Although this is purely cosmetic, I also like the bottle!

9th March 2019

Very smooth. Tried this alongside Balvenie Double wood 12 and much preferred this.

20th February 2019

On first opening nothing special, BUT after two weeks flavour dramatically improved, now a fantastic whisky! Highly recommended, rewards patience

2nd January 2019

When I opened the bottle, couple weeks ago, I was not impressed at all. I found it watery and flaverless, just ok for the price actually.
But now, jesus... It jumped from 70 to 90/100 points ! Still very sweet, but the oak influence has improved massively, adding big fruity notes and a nice spyness. Man, for a 30€ bottle, it is perfect ! Kings of low cost single Malt with the Green Spot and the laph 10yo.

17th December 2018

Aberlour £25 in Waitrose supper store. Waste of money

12th December 2018

Average whiskey, however worth its price.

Nose: Oak, Pear and Honey, some rasin as well.
Pallet: Oak and Spicy, this is the strongest flavors.. Much better if add just a few drops of water to enhance the pear and buttery sweetness.
Finish: Spicy, raisins. Sweet butter

2nd December 2018

Love it. My favorite to date. Very good value for money.

21st November 2018

Pleasant, easy to drink. Vanilla, fruits - maybe pear, sherry scent. Sweet, but not sweet. Ideal for after dinner or dinner. I do not suggest it for an aperitif. Great and for its affordable price. Maybe the best 12 years I've tried.

31st October 2018

One of the nicest, freshest, and tastiest single malts I've tried in a long time. Salute'

26th October 2018

Nice smoky finish n some sour taste with great aroma around the end...

24th October 2018

First try for me, had the botte for 24€. I like it, it is fruity and a little spicy, very easy for non whisky drinkers. A bit watery maybe, but for that price, a real bargain. Good One !

22nd October 2018

This was my first sherry-influenced whisky. Incredibly disappointing. When the bottle was new there was zero smell or taste, after the bottle oxidized, the nose has developed and taste as well but the taste is a horrid bitterness and nothing else.

11th October 2018

A little bland. I am torn between Scotches which are too smokey and those which are not enough.

16th July 2018

Excellent no need to say anything else. Five star scotch.

17th June 2018

Aberlour 12 DC is an easy sipping single malt at a fair value price. It’s a good introduction to whisky and sherry cask influence, but there are better options in the market, as well as in Aberlour’s line. Aberlour 12 NCF is a step up for only a couple dollars more, with its stronger sherry flavors, buttery/rich/thick mouthfeel, improved finish, and higher ABV. The 12 NCF punches above its weight class in quality, making it a great value. The 12 DC punches well in its weight class, but is outclassed by the top dogs (Macallan 12, Aberlour 12 NCF, GlenDronach 12, etc). Regardless, it definitely has its virtues and showcases Aberlour’s character as a distillery. You could do worse than the 12 DC (Glenfiddich 12, Glenmorangie 10 or Lasanta, etc), but you could also do better. Cheers.

8th June 2018

I find it quite pleasant. Fruity and a bit spicy, typical lightness from Speyside. Not memorable, as someone said, but you will remember it as the one that tasted good.
The big issue for me is the price, this whisky is not worth more than Glenfiddich 12 but is usually sold at Talisker 10 prices which is criminal imho. So buy it only when it is on special offer.

21st April 2018

A very nice, decently priced Speyside. Nice with a couple of drops of water to open it up.

Vanilla, orange zest and a spicy finish.

Much nicer than the Aberlour 10 and factoring in the price, a solid 4 stars.

19th April 2018

Well rounded, oak spices & sweetness without overpowering either. Nothing particularly memorable.

6th April 2018

an inoffensive and somewhat unclear nose, to my palate a clear and sweet taste, following by a bit of peaty-heat to its afterfinish.

4th April 2018

Excellent whisky, totally under rated
Better dram than many twice the price!
Sherry, spice and toffee notes - very nice straight from the bottle or with a wee drop of water

31st March 2018

Even on opening, the light spicy whiff is a delight and you know you are in for a real treat! Fruity with notes of toffee with a light spiced aftertaste. Opened a bottle at the new year with my brother and needless to say the bottle emptied and both of us were delighted sipping along with a few fine German lagers. Simply my favourite dram at the minute!

19th January 2018

This whisky is stunning mature fruity Smokey and a delight to enjoy with A Cuban cigar while I sit in my leather armchair in front of a roaring fire..

25th December 2017

It is always a pleasure to have a son who knows how to select a treasured gift for his aged father.

24th December 2017

Cool dram dudes

20th December 2017

Butterscotch, spiced finish

19th December 2017

What a beautiful wee dram. had some 10 year old a few weeks ago that had toffee notes but this one is a one to savor. Very nice single malt that is one of the smoothest i have had the pleasure of tasting.

30th November 2017

Wonderful fruity sweetness with sherry. I can taste Christmas pudding too.
I love smelling whisky and this one is really nice. Well done Aberlour.

30th November 2017

I'm a Macallan man but someone talked me into trying this and it is absolutely my new favorite.. I hope more places carry this because it is the smoothest and most flavorful on the market, the sweet and woody flavors are unmatched.

31st October 2017

It’s the best 12 year Scotch I’ve tried. I haven’t tried all of them yet but I’ve tried a lot.

30th October 2017

Just sooooo great. The best I had in Scotland We tasted many many things. This won out ... although 21 yr old Macallan was amazing as well

15th October 2017

A fantasticly smooth and non Smokey whisky. For the price I paid this is extremely good, can definately recommend it!

8th September 2017

perfect

26th August 2017

Very nice single malt, smooth without the peaty bite, but crisp enough that you know your tasting a very good quality single malt. The nose certainly picks up a slight apple scent, but don't expect a fruity taste, rather a good clean finish - certainly will keep a bottle in the drawer

6th August 2017

If you like a smooth, not peaty scotch you will love this, I was introduced to it by a friend who lives not far from where it is made. It is now one of my favourites

4th August 2017

Well I'm a big fan of Teeling. I don't mind Laphroaig too. Both are very different and suit different settings. I was given the Aberlour 12 yo as a gift. The bottle was lovely and heavy, but when I sampled the drop, I thought I'd swallowed a lit cigar. Painful. Unpleasant. No stars.

4th August 2017

One of my favorite. Not peaty or smokey, and I love peat and smoke, but a full bodied scotch with some hints of ginger, almonds and oak and a good price. Love the heavy bottle as well👌.

3rd July 2017

Wonderfully sherried everyday dram

15th May 2017

Beautiful bottle. Amazing colour. It dances lightly in the mouth but with lovely notes that bite just right :)

7th May 2017

Early spring evening with the smell of the last of log fires. Long lasting smooth taste. A small price for perfection.

4th May 2017

Reminiscent of Jonny walker green but without as much peat if any, and quite a bit cheaper. Lots of oak, butter scotch, sherry, ginger/cinnamon and sweet on the palate. Tastes fairly matured at 12 Years. I like it and will probably buy again.

3rd May 2017

This one is really nice.
Did not like it first opened but after 2 weeks it is completly transformed and will buy again.

28th April 2017

I loved the smell, quite sweet and fruity. Some caramel and smoke coming through. Quite a fruity taste, without being sickly, smooth finish.

4th April 2017

Some whiskies kick some whiskies bite some whiskies charm and smooth talk this is the smooth talking whisky gentle whispers to the tongue and throat warm inviting tender,want to get a girl interested in whisky,pour this then add a 10 ml measure of kahlua and she will be smitten enough to enter the dark and dangerous drams,

Rob paisley

3rd April 2017

This one is hard to describe. Very soft and balanced, with no strong dominant taste. Wait . . . no, yes -- maybe caramel, no, wait, maybe tangerine, no, that's not it, a bit nutty maybe, and then there's just a hint of smoke and peat on the finish -- but it's not really there, it's just an idea, that's all. Very, very gentle. It's subtle and smooth. Sweet. Easy. Lovely.

Always neat. -- a_m_oral

28th March 2017

The double cask makes a huge difference in mellowing out the aromatics in this speyside.

18th February 2017

Delicious!
JOYCE BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO CANADA

26th January 2017

I thought it quite a light weight whisky and drank half the bottle with that in mind. However I found that when one clears the palate with water between sips the subtle sweet tones really stand out making it a whiskey to recommend. Now very pleased with purchase.

2nd January 2017

I found this quite disappointing. It has a pleasent aftertaste with a hint of caramel and honey, but it's first taste is blunt and harsh without any revealing flavours.

25th December 2016

Nice sweet smell on the nose unlike others ive had or smelt then 1st taste is sweet then you have a spicy taste after swirled in the mouth great for christmas time to keep warm

24th December 2016

Having been supremely satisfied with the ten year old, I went shopping for another. However, there were none left at my usual outlet, so I picked up a bottle of the 12 year old instead. Wow, what a treat. This is now my new favourite single Malt.

24th December 2016

Not a big scotch fan but I seen the brand on Facebook and with great reviews so I had to try it. Very smooth. I will definitely make it a Christmas tradition from now on. Just ice is all you need.

16th December 2016

A really nice Speyside with sherry tones - recommended for the price.

12th November 2016

I really like this whisky. You can taste the sherry influence. It gives it a lovely sweetness that smells increadible and is there in taste. You also get a spicy oak taste which kind of give it a bit of heat so its not soft like glenmorangie and the sweetness is nothing like toffee. Lots of flavours going on. Not smoke or peat in this one. Purely a spicy sweet sherry. Its smells brilliant and tastes it too. If you like this try arbelour abunadh.

11th November 2016

This bottle meeds some time...and air
When i first opend it I didnt like it.
It tasted too stuffy...

Came back to it a few days later - loved it
And it gets bettter every time i taste it.

Lots of depth lots of sherry, very balanced

24th October 2016

This is probably the smoothest single malt that I have tasted. I stumbled on it by accident when I saw it on offer in a supermarket at an irisistable price. I have enjoyed several bottles since.

14th October 2016

First of all, I'm a bourbon and Rye drinker and I prefer cask strength juice.That being said, I find this a nice flavorful dram and when I'm in the mood for a single malt (and can't afford A'bunadh) or just something a little less intrusive this is the bottle I reach for.

29th September 2016

Orange zest, cinnamon, toffee and deep sherry. Awesome stuff.

22nd September 2016

I've only sampled around 30 single malts and Aberlour is my favorite. I've had the 15 and 16 yr. old and I actually prefer the 12. Piney notes on the nose and finishes clean. Not complex but mellow and very satisfying. If you want an adventure, look elsewhere. There is genius in simplicity.

3rd September 2016

First you get a fresh whiff of fresh cut grass then the spicy oak and then the fruity sherry oak kicks in but when you taste it ohhh it's so balanced with chocolate oranges, dried figs and zesty spicyness and the finish fades with that spicy oaky notes which compliments it's layered character all in all I'm very satisfied with this dram it's my first taste of this so I'm now going to kick it a notch or 10 by buying the Al'bhunda series which from I can tell is a more intense dram and I'm going to buy all the batches because I want to get to know this dram a bit more so yes it's defiantly worth buying if you like Terry's chocolate orange (joking) but give it a go it's very soft and forgiving no harsh fineness at all ! And it's very tasty !!!

2nd July 2016

It's an OK Aberlour .. actually liked it beter than the 15 year .. but FAR prefer the Sherry Cask .. a lot smoother finish.
However I'd never buy it at this price ... other suppliers can be far CHEAPER. Recently bought a 100cl bottle of 15 year Double Cask for €42.50 and 100cl 12 year Sherry Cask for €34.50.
Therefor you have to be careful where to shop.

30th May 2016

Simply stunning whisky. Still processing what my senses are detecting but on the nose: dried fruit; orange and lemon/lime; then lovely almond cake/bakewell. On the palate elements of the above but mostly oak and vanilla with sweet spice then the with a light bitter finish.

16th May 2016

This is the first bottle I've purchased from this distillery and I am pretty impressed certainly gives Balvenie double wood a run for it's money in the realm of sherried 12 years.Smells like caramel candy with hints of cinnamon apple and raisins. Tastes like it smells with some vanilla and spices and fruit cake bit of citrus fruit maybe even some peaches and just a light hint of toasted oak with a nice butterscotch/raisin finish. An excellent dessert dram pretty close to Glenfarclas 12 and neck and neck with Balvenie double wood for me.Was hesitant to buy this because of mixed reviews on here but I am totally happy with this it's a wonderful very drinkable Speyside can't wait to try Abunadh.The Sugarbear

27th April 2016

don't get fouled, this whiskey tastes very common, proper highland single malt

22nd March 2016

This is a delightful single malt with much to offer in terms of smell and taste.
You need to be a bit patient with it as it takes some time in the glass for it to develop properly. No need to add water, just give it a few minuts, and you will be rewarded.

N: A big punch of vanilla, chocolate, sherry, orange peels, walnuts and a quite comforting presence of malt.
B: Sour green apples at first, then sweet pears, that turns in to butterscotch. Very interesting indeed.
F: Short. First sour, then sweet.

Overall an interesting and terrific whiskey. Offers a lot of value for the money. Will make sure to always have a bottle in my possession.

Tomas

28th February 2016

'got me bottle couple weeks ago at Airport. Now is only half full... :-))
Fantastic drop, mellow, smooth, mouth watering which makes you go for one more, then for one more... :-))
Sweet but spicy, apples and pears with honey and cinnamon traces, and of course, the Cheery comes at the in Big one. Having over 300 bottles of single malts in my collection, this will be definitely within the Top 10 ranked ones.
Can't wait to get more of this beauty in few weeks ...

17th February 2016

It's a very affordable very sippable scotch. Love the sherry aspect of it

29th January 2016

My first Speyside whisky after a not so happy encounter with Glenfiddich a few years ago. First impressions were a bit like a bourbon. Sweet and slightly syrupy but with that more familiar malty-ness coming through at the end. Lots of flavour here.

Very, very easy to drink this. Needs very little, if any, water imo. Got this on offer so feel I got a real steal here.

If you are a fan of bourbon but are curious about single malts give this a try. Can't wait to try the Abunadh!

31st December 2015

Got this as a Christmas present from me dear old mum who doesn't know a thing about scotch. I've Had the 10year and rather enjoyed it so I popped open the tin full of anticipation. What I found inside was a simply designed, squat little bottle exuding charm and possessing a very thick neck (a characterful feature) and this contained a russet liquid of beautiful clarity.
On the nose there is an initial whiff of spiced plum and raisins that gives way to a burnt toffee aroma.
On the tongue it feels slightly thick, but not oily with a wonderful warmth. Cinnamon, toffee and vanilla fudge with an undertone of Orange bitterness go down the throat easily and sit in the mouth, fading into a light zest.
As a fan of sherry cask malts (Glenmorangie Lasanta and Balvenie Doublewood are my favourites) I found this to be a pleasing change. Familiar flavours with less sweetness and a more robust character.
Makes a great accompaniment to rich dessert, and a small measure before bed hasn't done any harm the last couple of days.

Overall, a great whiskey if you like the sherry character. Beautifully presented and not ridiculously priced. Will definitely get another bottle once this one is gone

30th December 2015

I only really drink the smokey stuff but got a bottle of this for Crimbo yesterday and I have to say, it's pretty awesome. I get quite an oily mouthfeel when I drink this which is nice (not sure why nobody else seems to pick up on this in their reviews, maybe I'm imagining things) Very warming in the mouth without being spicy like a talisker and has a really nice after glow like lagavulin 16yo. If you like the smokey stuff then I urge you to try this, it's not an Isla obviously but it has a similar appeal to me. It's really nice and an interesting change. Top notch :)

26th December 2015

Alcohol taste. Nose is ok

7th December 2015

Nose: floral, light, sweet.

Body: tastes a lot like pear. It's light enough that it's easy to forget that you are, in fact, drinking a scotch and not sherry.

Finish: very short, but that's where you get just enough peat and heat to remind you, "No, you're not crazy, you were actually drinking a scotch."

Overall: a yummy scotch with a light, fruity sweetness to it (in contrast with, say, Glenmorangie Lasanta, which has a syrup-y, molasses-y sweetness).

However, I got it significantly discounted from its normal retail price in Texas. Normally, it's about $65, and I got it for about 20% off. *If* you are like me and prefer things like AnCnoc and Ardmore, it isn't worth that much (meaning that I also wouldn't recommend it for the $85 it costs through Master of Malt, assuming delivery to U.S.). This disclaimer isn't based on the quality of the whiskey; it's a reflection of my preferences. If you can get it discounted, I think you should go for it.

6th November 2015

Got given a bottle when it was cheap around Christmas. Absolutely loved it. Really easy going taste, great after-burn. Really good all round for the price.

7th July 2015

I like the ocassional glass of whisky but when I got the 12 year old whisky as a fathers day present and I was extremely disappointed with it. In fact I had to pour away 1/2 a glass after hoping I might mellow towards it. I can't really describe it but somehow the taste reminds me of a pre med which I had before an operation many years ago when I was a child. Is there any possibility it might be a bad batch? Sorry about the negative feedback.

23rd June 2015

Moderate sherry notes - spicy chocolate toffee finish - great value 12 year old Speyside whisky - will buy again

20th May 2015

I love it! Drink it neat before and after dinner and enjoy. One of my other favorites is Glenfarclas 12, which is very similar, except more dry, which I like very much. These are by far my two favorite Speyside whiskies. Cheers!

12th May 2015

Divine taste...

9th May 2015

Medium sherry, fruity, nice everyday drink. I bought it for 22eur, so its good price and quality combination.

9th April 2015

It was Aberlour that first got my attention to scotch whisky. That being said that was 12 years ago. I still appreciate the product but I would be lying if I didn't say that I miss the 43% abv.

19th March 2015

which means I am also unsure what to think....yet! no question that it is quality stuff and is unique. the problem is I was expecting not just balance and a spectrum of flavors (all there), I am missing an expected (unfairly?) ummph....I was hoping for a heavier content

probably not fair that I looked into this after having had the cask strength release last week.....don't get me wrong, but this is a lovely dram. but I bet the 86 proof version was much better or....what I was really looking for

4th January 2015

This one will surprise you. Pleasant summery nose of grass and heather. The first sip may seem somewhat inconsequential (40% abv will do that) but once you let it open up, there are a ton of flavors vying for your rapt attention. Dried fruits, apricot and pear, leather, and lots of baking spices, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, along with hazelnut and almond sweetness. Incredibly smooth finish. Found it for less than $40US in Illinois and I think it's a steal. Merry Christmas to me!

12th December 2014

The nose reveals ripe fruit and autumn leaves, moist pudding layered with jam, and … Leo Cohen’s voice, saying it’s Closing Time and you should have another. Mouth is tannic, blackcurrants and nutmeg.

26th November 2014

This appears to have increased in price by £10 since I last bought it. It's a nice 12 year old Speyside but nothing exceptional. Well overpriced here.

22nd November 2014

I'm more of an Islay fan than Speyside but thought I'd try the Aberlour. Strikes me as a touch bitter without being interesting in its bitterness. Just had it last night over ice, and my last bottle was an Ardbeg 10, so may just be a transition issue.

16th November 2014

This may be my all-time favorite. Very smooth and sweet. Excellent whisky,especially for the price! Keep it, Aberlour!

23rd October 2014

Great aroma mild mannered and a mildly sweet aftertaste. I enjoy this neat. Great value and excellent alternative to blends.

23rd August 2014

I'd say the flavor of this is very similar to Macallan 12 with a heavier taste of sherry. A very enjoyable dram, will definitely buy again. Purchased locally for $42 so I'm surprised to se it listed at $70.

4th April 2014

Went with reviews and suggestions to try. First sip with drop of water nice oily beginning then somewhat of a strange note of moss. A slight burn at the end. Tried second dram over one ice cube. It settled in nice with floral and cinnamon notes. Not everyday dram but nice for a different note on the palate.

6th February 2014

My mistake, I was referring to the 43% version. Thanks for clearing it up Master of Malt

12th November 2013

I agree with batman. Less than €40 last month. Why the increase of over 25%?

8th November 2013

im nearly sure i bought this for under 40 euro 3 months ago not impressed with ths and my review is gone why master of malt

6th November 2013

Took a bit of a punt buying this as there were no reviews, and wow, did i get lucky :)
I finished the bottle in a couple of weeks (which is almost unheard of for me). I'd compare it to the Balvenie Doublewood 17 year old... which is still my favorite... but i'm buying another bottle of this one now

15th October 2013