Aberlour 18 Year Double Cask Matured Single Malt Scotch Whisky – 86 Proof (43% ABV) | 750ml

Rich, mature, and deeply influenced by sherry-seasoned oak, Aberlour 18 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky showcases the elegant, fruit-forward character of Speyside through extended maturation and carefully selected casks. Aged for a minimum of 18 years and bottled at 43% ABV (86 proof) in a 750ml bottle, this mature single malt develops layers of ripe fruit, dark chocolate, caramel, warming spice, and oak. Its long maturation creates exceptional depth while maintaining the rich sherry character closely associated with the Aberlour Distillery.

Key Details

Spirit Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Region: Speyside, Scotland

Distillery: Aberlour Distillery

Age Statement: 18 Years

Maturation: Extended Oak Maturation with Sherry Cask Influence

Alcohol Content: 43% ABV (86 Proof)

Bottle Size: 750ml

Profile: Ripe Fruit • Dark Chocolate • Caramel • Spice • Sherry • Oak

Process & Aging

Aberlour 18 Year is produced at the historic Aberlour Distillery in Speyside, Scotland, using malted barley and local water.

Following fermentation, the whisky is distilled in traditional copper pot stills, creating the spirit that will eventually become Aberlour's mature 18 Year expression.

The whisky then undergoes a lengthy maturation lasting a minimum of 18 years. During this period, carefully selected oak casks gradually transform the spirit, developing additional richness, texture, fruit, spice, sweetness, and mature wood character.

Sherry-seasoned oak plays an important role in the Aberlour style, contributing the rich fruit and deeper sweetness for which the distillery is particularly well known.

The extended 18-year maturation allows these cask characteristics to become deeply integrated with the underlying Speyside malt.

The finished whisky is bottled at 43% ABV (86 proof).

Appearance

Deep amber-gold with rich mahogany and copper highlights, displaying the mature color developed through 18 years of interaction with oak.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Rich and mature with layers of ripe fruit, dried fruit, caramel, vanilla, and oak, accompanied by warming spice and sherry-driven sweetness.

Palate: Full and smooth with flavors of dark chocolate, caramel, mature fruit, spice, and oak, creating a rich balance between sweetness and extended maturation.

Finish: Long and warming with lingering dark chocolate, fruit, spice, and mature oak.

What Makes It Special

The defining characteristic of Aberlour 18 Year is the combination of extended maturation and Aberlour's signature relationship with sherry-influenced oak.

Eighteen years provides substantial time for the whisky and wood to interact. During maturation, the spirit gradually extracts flavors and aromas from the oak while simultaneously undergoing slow changes that soften and integrate its character.

This creates considerably greater maturity than younger expressions in the Aberlour collection.

Fruit becomes deeper and richer, oak becomes more prominent, and flavors of caramel, chocolate, spice, and dried fruit become increasingly integrated into the whisky.

The extended maturation is particularly complementary to Aberlour's naturally fruit-forward Speyside character and longstanding use of sherry-seasoned oak.

At 43% ABV, the whisky retains enough structure to showcase its mature flavors while maintaining the smooth and elegant character expected from a long-aged Speyside single malt.

How to Enjoy

Aberlour 18 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky is particularly well suited for slow sipping neat.

Pour a small serving into a Glencairn or other whisky tasting glass and allow it to rest for several minutes. This gives the mature fruit, sherry, caramel, chocolate, spice, and oak aromas time to develop.

A few drops of water can also be added to explore additional aromas and flavors without significantly diluting the whisky.

Its mature, sherry-influenced character pairs particularly well with dark chocolate, dried fruit, roasted nuts, and aged cheeses.

Given its 18-year maturation, the whisky is best approached slowly, allowing its different layers to develop throughout the tasting experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the alcohol content of Aberlour 18 Year?

Aberlour 18 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky is bottled at 43% ABV (86 proof).

How long is Aberlour 18 aged?

Aberlour 18 carries an 18-year age statement, meaning the youngest Scotch whisky contained in the bottle has matured for at least 18 years.

What type of whisky is Aberlour 18?

Aberlour 18 is a single malt Scotch whisky, produced entirely at the Aberlour Distillery from malted barley.

Where is Aberlour 18 made?

It is produced at the Aberlour Distillery in Speyside, Scotland.

What does Aberlour 18 taste like?

Aberlour 18 offers a mature profile centered around ripe and dried fruit, caramel, dark chocolate, warming spice, sherry sweetness, and mature oak.

Is Aberlour 18 a sherried Scotch?

Yes, sherry cask influence is an important part of the Aberlour 18 profile, contributing rich fruit, sweetness, spice, and depth alongside mature oak.

What is the difference between Aberlour 16 and Aberlour 18?

The primary difference is maturation. Aberlour 16 carries a 16-year age statement, while Aberlour 18 is matured for at least 18 years. The additional aging gives the 18 Year greater mature oak influence and deeper integration of fruit, sweetness, spice, and sherry character.

What is the difference between Aberlour 12 and Aberlour 18?

Aberlour 12 provides a younger introduction to the distillery's fruit and sherry-influenced style, while Aberlour 18 receives at least six additional years of maturation. This produces a more mature, concentrated, and oak-influenced profile.

Is Aberlour 18 smoky?

Aberlour 18 is not primarily a smoky or heavily peated Scotch. Its profile focuses much more heavily on fruit, sherry richness, chocolate, caramel, spice, and mature oak.

How should Aberlour 18 be served?

It is ideally enjoyed neat or with a few drops of water, allowing its mature aromas and flavors to develop naturally.

What size bottle is this?

This listing includes one 750ml bottle of Aberlour 18 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

Pricing & Availability

This listing includes one 750ml bottle of Aberlour 18 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky, aged for at least 18 years and bottled at 86 proof (43% ABV). Available now while supplies last.

Brand Story

Aberlour Distillery was founded in 1879 by James Fleming in the village of Aberlour, located in the heart of Scotland's renowned Speyside whisky region.

Fleming established the distillery near the River Spey and St. Drostan's Well, taking advantage of the region's natural resources and growing reputation for malt whisky production.

Over generations, Aberlour developed a distinctive house style built around rich Speyside fruit and carefully selected oak, with sherry-seasoned casks becoming particularly important to many of the distillery's best-known expressions.

Aberlour 18 Year represents the mature side of that tradition. With a minimum of 18 years in oak, the whisky develops deeper layers of fruit, chocolate, caramel, spice, and wood while maintaining the rich, smooth character associated with Aberlour.

Bottled at 86 proof, Aberlour 18 Year combines extended maturation, Speyside fruit, and sherry-influenced richness in a sophisticated single malt designed for slow sipping.