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Do you know that in the Latin Quarter in Paris, France, there is the longest amphitheater ever built by the Romans? It is called “Arènes de Lutèce”, it was built in the 1st century AD, and could seat about 15,000 people at the time.

Just a block from this famous Gallo-Roman remains lays the shop called “vin et whisky” (1). They display more than 300 whiskies and organize from time to time events at their location.

BACKGROUND:

On December 18, 2017, I was lucky to attend the Aberlour tasting event, led by the National Aberlour brand ambassador of France : James Drury, who all along displayed his passion for the spirit.

France is the first market in the world for whisky, and Aberlour is the first whisky in France, bigger than the second and third together!

There was a nice selection of Aberlour whiskies, but also Tormore, Scapa and Ballantine’s, as they belong to the same group, Pernod Ricard.

There was a warm atmosphere, and all drinkers were sharing their impression on the whiskies, which I always like. Whisky drinking is an experience that should bring warmth, openness, sharing spirit and ultimately enjoyment.

TASTING:

Aberlour 12 years, 40%,  first fill American oak barrel. A very rare bottle, more for the event than anything. I was glad to taste it as it shows the very fruity character of the Aberlour whiskies.

• Nose : fruity (mainly pear) with some vanilla
• Palate : malty and vanilla
• Finish : short, still hints of vanilla

Aberlour 16 years, cask strength, 56.2%: I was lucky to taste this one as it is only available at the distillery. Matured in sherry cask.

• Nose : very rich, red fruits, sherry and spices (ginger)
• Palate : very smooth, fruit (peach mainly), red berries
• Finish : long, smooth and gently spicy

Aberlour 15 ans 40%: matured in Bourbon and sherry casks. This whisky used to be only available in France and was called at the time “tide from Scotland”.

• Nose : very malty and some caramel.
• Palate : Vanilla
• Finish : rather short and dry, with some leather

by www.aberlour.com

Aberlour 18 ans, 43%, aged in bourbon and sherry casks

• Nose : Caramel, dry fruits and vanilla
• Palate : creamy, fruity (apple) and citrus (orange), vanilla and some hints of honey
• Finish : long, the caramel is back

by www.aberlour.com

Aberlour A’bunad’h, 59.6%. unaged. The name means “the origin”. Made of different batches from less than 10 to 15 years old. All matured in sherry casks, mainly Oloroso. Non chill-filtered. You should try it. Don’t hesitate to add some water if you feel it is too heavy on alcohol: it is worth spending time on this one.

• Nose: quite strong, with sherry of course, and some hints of mint
• Palate: creamy, very rich. Sherry, spices,
• Finish : long, spicy, ginger

by www.aberlour.com

Scapa Glansa, 40%. This very unique whisky has been matured in ex-bourbon casks and then finished in casks from an undisclosed distillery in Islay, providing a peated flavour typical from this island.

• Nose : the peat is loud and clear, some earthy notes. After some time, the best nosing drinkers would feel some fruity notes behind the peat.
• Palate : earthy, fruity, vanilla and some smoky flavor
• Finish : lenghty and smoky

Tormore 16 ans, 48%. This single malt whisky is quite rare: the distillery, since its creation in 1958, provides most of its nice spirit to the Chivas regal blend. The whisky is non chill filtered and matured in bourbon casks.

• Nose : Caramel, spices, fruity
• Palate : very gentle and nice. Exotic fruits, ripe watermelon
• Finish : long, drying softly in the end

Thank you for this warm and joyful moment.

(1) Address of the shop: Vin & Whisky, 62 rue Monge, 75005, Paris.
There, beside finding a great bottle of whisky, you can order the whisky by the glass and eat some cheese and finger food. A very “bistro” Parisian atmosphere, highly recommended.

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