Description
Aberlour A’bunadh Alba: a cask strength Scotch whisky aged exclusively in American oak Bourbon casks. The distillery’s whisky heritage has always been rooted in Scotland, but the new US exclusive release is also steeped in American tradition, producing an unexpected combination for Aberlour
The Speyside distillery is primarily known for its affinity for Sherry cask maturation and the cask strength Aberlour A’bunadh, originally released in the 1990s, distinctly demonstrates these Sherry forward attributes. Quickly gaining a worldwide cult-like following that has continued for more than 60 batches produced over twenty years, the introduction of Aberlour A’bunadh Alba marks the first time Aberlour has released a formal line extension within the A’bunadh franchise.
As the sibling to a renowned Scotch, Aberlour A’bunadh Alba delivers many of the same distinct features associated with its precursor: cask strength, non-chill filtered, and non-age statement. However, instead of darker, velvety flavors synonymous with Sherry cask maturation, A’bunadh Alba is a complex mix of sweet baked apples notes alongside crisp citrus flavors imparted from the first-fill American oak Bourbon barrels it is matured in.
The name itself – A’bunadh Alba – also serves a double meaning and explanation for the new liquid: In Gaelic, A’bunadh means “of the origin” and Alba means “Scotland” but also refers to ‘Quercus Alba,’ a species of white oak used for maturation. Aberlour’s award-winning Master Distiller Graeme Cruickshank says, “Alba is the perfect counter-point to the classic A’bunadh, while still offering those familiar sweet, fruity notes which are rooted in the new spirit’s DNA.” He continues, “there are, however, stark differences in color and body, which should intrigue A’bunadh devotees and welcome new drinkers to the concept we lovingly know as ‘the original.’”
Andrew Weir, Aberlour US Brand Leader believes the expansion of the A’bunadh franchise is the perfect way to remind people why this storied distillery has garnered such a cult following around the globe. Weir says, “While A’bunadh Alba departs from Aberlour’s signature Sherry-forward profile, it still delivers the depth and elegance that has become synonymous with our whiskies. After over 20 years of A’bunadh, it’s an exciting time to bring an innovative expression to the A’bunadh and Aberlour family of award-winning whiskies.”
Aberlour A’bunadh Alba is a non-chill filtered, non-age statement, cask strength Scotch that is a permanent part of the award-winning whisky portfolio.
