Company History

• Aberlour was founded in 1879 by James Fleming in Aberlour, Speyside.
• The history is shaped by long-term craft and family heritage, where the motto “Let the deed show” continues to guide the approach to whisky production.
• The company highlights almost 150 years of experience and focus on quality craftsmanship, regionally rooted in Aberlour and the surrounding communities.
• A long tradition of selected cask combinations and ongoing development through various collections and special releases (e.g., Double Cask Matured, A’Bunadh, Travel Exclusives, Distillery & Batch Releases) as well as notable older releases such as 50 Year Old and Mouth of the Chattering Burn (53 Years Old).

Production Details

• The core practice of production is Double Cask Matured: the new make is aged in both sherry- (sweet, red caramel) and American oak casks to achieve complexity.
• New make (distillates) are described as delicate, with notes of black berries and citrus, before aging in selected casks.
• Hand-picked sherry casks are built from Spanish oak and Oloroso sherry, and the cask shipments are transported to Scotland in winter to preserve the qualities.
• The water source is the Birkenbush springs near Aberlour, and the barley comes from local farms within about 15 miles, underscoring a strong local rooting.
• Master Distiller Graeme Cruickshank has over 35 years of experience and emphasizes ongoing refinement and openness about Aberlour's distinctive range of single malts.
• Beyond standard production there are unique and limited releases (e.g., 50 Year Old and Mouth of the Chattering Burn), that combine special cask finishes and craftsmanship in special boxes and displays.

Whisky Products

• Range and collections include:
• Aberlour 50YO (50-year release) – a very exclusive release with only a few bottles globally, characterized by depth and complexity from many years of maturation in specially selected casks.
• The Double Cask Matured Collection – aging in a combination of American oak and sherry casks.
• The A’Bunadh Collection – handmade in small batches to celebrate depth and purity of flavor.
• The Travel Exclusives Collection – developed for depth and complexity.
• The Distillery & Batch Releases Collection – limited releases and the distillery's exclusives.
• Mouth of the Chattering Burn 53 Years Old – the oldest release to date; highlighted as a unique, handcrafted decanter created for the Distillers’ One of One Charity Auction.
• Their products are highlighted as single malts with a focus on cask-excellence and a distinct two-cask profile.

Tasting Notes

• 50YO – Taste and appearance:
• Appearance: deep mahogany with a sheen of polished copper.
• Nose: ripe apricot, red apple and pear, honeydew, roasted hazelnuts, light marshmallow and milk chocolate-dipped marshmallows, with nuances of nutmeg and cinnamon and warmth from roasted oak.
• Palate: orange marmalade, vanilla fudge, vanilla custard tart and stem-ginger in syrup.
• Finish: long, sweet and spicy.
• In addition to 50YO, new make notes are also highlighted (for example, hints of blackcurrant, red berries, and citrus) and a general balance between sherry/sweetness and vanilla from American oak.

Events and News

• Releases such as the 50-Year release are presented as an extremely exclusive achievement, with only a few bottles globally available.
• Mouth of the Chattering Burn (53 Years Old) is Aberlour's oldest release to date, showcased in a specially designed decanter in collaboration with renowned artists and craftsmen (glassblowers and molders), and launched as part of a charity auction (Distillers’ One of One Charity Auction).
• Unique displays and packaging, including a cabinet of twelve oak staves and a granite base from a decommissioned warehouse, symbolizing the distillery’s history and craft.

Philosophy and Values

• The motto “Let the deed show” from founder James Fleming remains a guiding beacon for how Aberlour makes whisky – through action and craft rather than words alone.
• Focus on quality through detail — locally sourced barley, carefully selected casks, and precise maturation as the core of single malt production.
• Long-term commitment to artisanal craft and sustainable practices, including strong ties to the local community and knowledge of the sources in the area.
• The Master Distiller and the team's commitment to preserving and passing on Aberlour's heritage through dedication to cask management and continuous improvement.