Aberlour – A'Bunadh Alba Batch 8 (60.1%)

This is batch 8 of Aberlour A'Bunadh Alba, a Speyside single malt bottled at 60.1% ABV. The name refers to Quercus Alba, the American white oak used to mature it. The whisky comes entirely from first-fill American oak ex-bourbon casks, and its character leans towards fresh orchard fruit, shortbread and almond. The nose brings apricot, grapefruit zest, marzipan, banana fritters and a generous amount of nutmeg. On the palate there are shortbread, green apple and caramel, more nutmeg and a touch of black pepper. The finish has roasted almonds and hints of orange peel.