One of our weekend pastime is to join any whisky/wine/sake tasting masterclass! This time was all about Aberlour Scotch Whisky. Aberlour distillery is such a quiet one, without much noticeable and not getting any attention from other people, they are not as loud as the Macallan, Singleton and etc. In deed, they stay in their own motto "Let the Deed Show".
In this RM50 nett masterclass, we were able to taste on their 12 years, 14 years and 16 years.
Everything were well prepared before the tasting masterclass starts.
From little titbits to mineral water and to food pairing.
Aberlour 12 years was served as a welcome drink !
The masterclass starts when most of the guests had arrived. The PowerPoint slides prepared were really informative and knowledgeable. We got to know more about how Scotch whisky is defined.
The 5 types of Scotch whisky available like single malt, single grain, blended Scotch, blended malt and blended grain.
And also the difference between Single malt and Blended Scotch.
The 5 most recognized whisky making regions with their unique geography like the Speyside, Highlands, Lowlands, Campbeltown & Islay.
Different regions has different taste of the whisky.
Campbeltown: diverse & influence from peaty Islay
Highlands: diverse, peaty flavours with floral, grassy influence
Speyside: fruity, nutty, light and delicate
Lowlands: soft, smooth, gentle, grass and toffee
Islay: smoky peat, brine and salty
The Aberlour whisky masterclass led by the Ambassador, James Ng! He is so young with very informative presentation slides of Scotch whisky and Aberlour whisky.
The differences between how types of whisky made like the Scotch, Irish and American whisky.
Scotch whisky uses double distilled, matured in seasoned oak casks with balanced, smooth and complex flavours. Irish whiskey uses triple distilled, matured in seasoned oak casks but have smooth and sweet notes. For American whiskey uses single distilled, matured in new oak casks only with sweet and perfumed notes.
There are 2 types of oak casks used which are the European Oak and American Oak. European Oak often previously used for Spanish sherry in Jerez. It gives a red amber colour, rich, nutty and fruity sweetness. While for American Oak often previously used to mature bourbon or Tennessee whisky which is heavily charred inside gives a golden colour and robust, sweet, creamy and vanilla flavour.
A new learnt Scottish word for Cheers/Kanpai is "SLANJ-A-VA".
Foods pairing with the 12 years, 14 years and 16 years Aberlour whisky.
Started off with the Aberlour 12 years.
Aberlour 12 years is double cask matured in Sherry Butts and American Oak barrels for the full maturation period before being carefully combined together. Its remarkable depth and velvet richness due to the double cask maturation. It is a hidden gem uniquely crafted for an intense, rich and smooth whisky.
Look: Golden Amber, with a little ruby red.
Aroma: Very soft and rounded with fruity notes of red apples.
Taste: Sherried with fruity aromas, balanced with a rich chocolate, toffee, cinnamon and ginger spiciness.
Finish: Lingering, sweet and warm with a little spice.
Half way through the masterclass tasting, we were shown with a short video clip about Aberlour distillery together with James Fleming's Heritage and also his motto of "Let the Deed Show".
Then continues with the Aberlour 14 years.
Aberlour 14 years uses only the very best HANDPICKED Oloroso Sherry casks for the double cask maturation. It gives the aromatic ginger notes and also a higher proportion of first fill American oak casks for a deep, rich and creaminess.
It is produced in unique individual batches using a limited number of carefully selected casks highlights the handcrafted spirit. It has already being multi-awarded with a coveted Double Gold medal at the prestigious International Wine & Spirits Competition 2020 and a Gold Medal at the International Spirits Challenge 2020.
Look: Deep Amber with honeyed gold.
Aroma: Well balanced with sweet vanilla and ripe cherry.
Taste: Round & Smooth with soft caramel, blackcurrant and blackberry jam and subtle spice.
Finish: Long, sweet and perfectly balanced.
The colour comparison for Aberlour 12 years & 14 years.
Aberlour 16 years.
Aberlour 16 years has a depth & complexity that comes from being matured for 16 years in a combination of first fill oak Bourbon casks and the finest Sherry Butts. The expression's warm fruity notes are enriched by an engagingly spicy sweetness.
Look: Rich golden amber.
Aroma: Rich scented floral & sweet raisin aromas with spicy nuttiness.
Taste: Smooth & Full of Sweet, floral and spicy flavours, notes of plum & gentle oak.
Finish: Long, warm and spicy fruitiness.
The colour comparison between Aberlour 14 years & 16 years.
The retail & promotion price for Aberlour 12 years, 14 years & 16 years.
The RM50 joining fees is exchange into RM50 cash voucher in which it can be use to purchase their products at Booze iT retail shop. It is not necessary to only buy the Aberlour whisky but also can use it to buy other wines, whisky or even their wine glasses or any other accessories available in their Booze iT retail shop. I would say so worth it.
After tasting the 12 years, 14 years and 16 years, guess which we loved the most? Yea, we love the 14 years the most! So much going on in it. Another whisky unlocked in the whisky bucket list.
Hey, What's & When's the next event available for sign up at Booze iT? You may follow them on IG@boozeitretail for more info!
Booze iT Retail, Bangsar Shopping Centre
Opening hours: 1000 to 2200
Event on 25th May 2024, Saturday
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