Discover the exquisite Aultmore 25-Year-Old whisky, valued at £340—a true gem in the world of single malts. Our in-house whisky expert, Chris Walster, had the pleasure of sampling this rare expression during a visit to Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery. His verdict? “I immediately bought a bottle, even though I was not supposed to be spending money!”
Aultmore Distillery: History and Legacy
Nestled in the heart of Speyside and drawing water from the pure Auchinderran Burn, Aultmore is one of five prestigious distilleries owned by Bacardi, alongside Aberfeldy, Craigellachie, Macduff (or The Deveron, depending on bottling), and Royal Brackla. Established in 1897 by local entrepreneur Alexander Edward, Aultmore quickly gained a reputation for excellence, doubling its production capacity within its first year due to high demand.
Aultmore’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. The distillery changed hands several times before Dewar’s, a subsidiary of Bacardi, reacquired it in 1998. Surprisingly, the first official bottling of Aultmore 12-Year-Old was only released in 2014, despite a couple of earlier limited-edition releases, such as the 1997 “Flora and Fauna” cask strength (58.8%), distilled in 1983, now retailing for over £600.
Aultmore’s whisky is primarily used in blends like Dewar’s, making single malt bottlings a rarity. However, this is set to change with the distillery’s ongoing £15 million expansion, which aims to double its production by 2024, from the current 2.1 million litres of pure alcohol per year.
Tasting Notes: Aultmore 25-Year-Old
- Colour: Pale gold with a hint of green.
- Legs: Apparent.
- Nose: Sweet and savory aromas with hints of rosemary, raisins, vanilla, and fruits.
- Palate: A balanced blend of sweet and savory flavors, evolving into complex notes of rosemary, vanilla, and fruits.
- Finish: Long, savory, dry, with a touch of Italian bread drizzled with olive oil.
- Score: 4.5 out of 5.
The Aultmore 25-Year-Old is the distillery’s oldest and most prestigious expression. Despite its age, it retains the signature Aultmore characteristics of freshness, grassy notes, and a clean taste. This whisky is best enjoyed slowly, allowing its complex layers to unfold with each sip. Picture yourself savoring this dram after a delightful Italian meal on a cool summer evening, perhaps in the Tuscan countryside.
In the competitive whisky market, the Aultmore 25-Year-Old stands out as a worthy investment—perfect for those moments when you can relax and appreciate its sweet, savoury, herbal, and fruity nuances while dreaming of warmer climates.
