Aberlour 100° Proof (1990s Edition)
100cl / 57.1%
£209.00
- Malt type: Single Malt
- Region: Speyside
Tasting Notes
Fresh oak, sherry and nutty notes
Dry and oily, fruity and spicy notes
Long, warm finish
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A discontinued, high-strength bottling from the 1990s, offering a bold, unreduced expression of Aberlour’s classic Speyside sherry-cask profile.
| Field | Details |
| Distillery / Bottler / Country & Region | Aberlour Distillery / Distillery Bottling (Owned by Pernod Ricard) / Scotland, Speyside |
| Category | Single Malt Scotch Whisky |
| Age / Vintage / Bottled | Non-Age-Statement (NAS) / Not stated by the producer / Bottled early to mid-1990s |
| ABV & Size(s) | 57.1% ABV (100° UK Proof) / 100cl (1 Litre) |
| Cask / Treatment | Ex-Bourbon and Ex-Sherry Casks |
| Natural Colour | Not stated by the producer (Assumed: Caramel added) |
| Non-Chill-Filtered | Not stated by the producer (Assumed: Chill-filtered, though the high ABV may suggest not) |
| Cask Strength | No (Bottled at 100° Proof, a specified bottling strength) |
| Bottle count / Outturn | Not stated by the producer (High-volume Duty-Free exclusive) |
| Intended channel | Duty-Free (Travel Retail) Exclusive |
| Packaging | Tall, distinctive 1-litre glass bottle of the era, predating the modern, squat bottle design. |
| Notes on discrepancies | The 100° Proof refers to the archaic UK Proof measurement system, which corresponds exactly to 57.1% ABV. This was exclusively a 1-litre duty-free release. |
Historical Context
Aberlour Distillery, founded in 1879, is a renowned Speyside producer known for its full-bodied, heavily sherried style of single malt. Its core range has long been defined by the practice of marrying sherry and bourbon casks.
The Aberlour 100° Proof bottling is a classic example of a discontinued, high-strength, Duty-Free exclusive from the 1990s. The 100° Proof designation, which translates to $57.1\% \text{ ABV}$, was a popular strength for travel retail bottlings of the era (alongside brands like Glenmorangie and The Macallan).
The bottling is highly sought after because it represents a bold, undiluted expression of Aberlour's character from a vintage period, often being compared favourably to the modern, celebrated cask strength expression, A'bunadh (which was introduced later). The use of the older, tall-bottle presentation in the 1-litre format is a key collector cue, distinguishing it from the distillery's modern aesthetic. Its discontinuation and high strength have solidified its status as a collector's item and a benchmark for Aberlour’s historic house style.
Technical Specification & Variant Map
This single malt is technically defined by its strength and volume.
- Strength: Bottled precisely at 57.1% ABV (100° Proof), a high strength that preserves the full spectrum of flavour, contrasting with the standard 40-43% ABV of the core range. This strength is not Cask Strength but a specific bottling strength.
- Volume: The 1-litre (100cl) volume confirms its origin as a Duty-Free exclusive bottling.
- Cask Profile: The component whiskies are a blend of Ex-Bourbon and Ex-Sherry Casks, consistent with the Aberlour style, producing a rich, fruity, and spicy profile.
Documented variants
This expression is highly unique due to its specific strength and volume.
- Aberlour 100° Proof (57.1% ABV, 1L): The duty-free exclusive bottling under review.6
- Aberlour A'bunadh (Cask Strength, 70cl): The modern, cask-strength, sherry-focused successor.
- Aberlour 10 Year Old (40% ABV, 70cl): The core range bottling of the same era.
| Variant Matrix | ||||
| ABV | Volume | Market | Era cues | Relative desirability |
| 57.1% | 100cl | Duty-Free Exclusive | 100° Proof, tall 1990s bottle shape | High (Discontinued, high strength, large volume) |
| ~60% | 70cl | Global | A'bunadh branding | Medium (Modern equivalent) |
Packaging & authenticity checklist
The bottle's size and strength are key identifiers.
- Size and Shape: Must be the 1-litre (100cl) volume in the distinct tall bottle shape of the 1990s.
- Labelling: The label must clearly state "100° Proof" and "57.1% Vol" or similar text.
- Fill Level: Due to the secure closure and high ABV, the fill level should be excellent (Into Neck).
- Common Pitfalls: Confusion with the modern A'bunadh expression is common, though the packaging and volume are distinctly different.
Regulatory/terminology notes
- 100° Proof / 57.1% ABV: This is a crucial historical and technical link, confirming the high bottling strength.
- Chill-filtered/Caramel Colouring: The NCF status is Not stated by the producer, but the high ABV means chill-filtering may not have been necessary. Caramel colouring (E150a) is assumed to have been added for consistency.
Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)
The profile is rich, heavy, and full-bodied, with an intensified version of Aberlour's sherry-matured character.
Nose: Rich sherry notes dominate: stewed fruits, raisins, and plums, complemented by sweet vanilla, oak spice, and cinnamon.
Palate: Full-bodied, chewy, and warm. Intense dried fruit, dark chocolate, and a robust spice (pecan/cinnamon) are evident, with a pronounced malt character. The high ABV provides a satisfying kick and complexity.
Finish: Long, warming, and spicy. Lingers with notes of dark fruit, oak, and a pleasing dryness.
With water: Highly recommended. The high strength (57.1% ABV) allows water to be added, which softens the spice and heat, bringing forward the creamy vanilla and deep sherry notes.
Sourcing
Buyers should exclusively target the 1-litre volume and verify the 100° Proof (57.1% ABV) strength.
Avoid any standard 70cl bottles, as they represent a different product.
Fill level should be excellent (Into Neck).
Margin expectations are high, as the secondary market price is significantly inflated from the original retail price.
