I've Tried Hundreds of Whiskies. This Cheap Scotch Has the Best Price-to-Quality Ratio

I've been writing about spirits professionally for nearly two decades. In that time, I've gained some insight into how people perceive whisky varieties and their differences. While there's much to say about hard-to-crack bourbon whiskey, I'm shifting focus – today's topic is the intricacies of single malt Scotch whisky.

Rather than creating a long list of facts and misconceptions, I'd like to focus on a single point: not everyone can appreciate a particular type of scotch whisky.

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Even if you browse the shelves at your local liquor store or browse online retailers, you're likely to come across bottles that cost hundreds of dollars. It's understandable that it might make a beginner whisky drinker stick to more affordable options like bourbon or rye whiskey. However, that would be a shame, as you'd be missing out on a vast array of exciting and complex whiskies.

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Aberlour Distillery has changed ownership numerous times throughout the centuries. It was founded in 1826 by James Gordon and Peter Weir, but they sold it a year later to pursue other projects. The Aberlour Distillery as we know it today was officially established in 1879 by a farmer and whiskey maker named James Fleming along the banks of the River Lour.

One of the most well-known distilleries in Speyside is also known for its variety of award-winning single malt whiskeys. All of its types are made using locally grown barley and mountain spring water. Typically aged for at least twelve years, Aberlour's types are aged in a combination of American oak and Oloroso sherry barrels. Well-known types include Aberlour A'Bunadh, Aberlour 18 Year Old, and the aforementioned starter bottle Aberlour 12-Year-Old.

Aberlour 12-Year-Old is a single malt Scotch whisky that's been aged for twelve years in a combination of ex-sherry casks and ex-bourbon barrels. To make this complex, well-balanced whisky, the two types of barrels are blended together for a short time before it's bottled.

A decade and a half of aging produces a long-lasting whisky with a golden color that tastes like sipping. It has a scent of apples, honey, and dried fruits. The flavor is a combination of sweet wine, dark chocolate, and a rich dessert, complemented by a woody taste. The aftertaste is a blend of sweetness and spices that will leave you wanting more.

I didn't even get to the best part yet. A whiskey this complex and impressive should cost significantly more than its actual price. But you can add this rich and intricate single malt Scotch whiskey to your home bar cart for around $55-$60, most of the time. It's challenging to find a better balance between quality and price. Buy it once and I promise – even if you're new to whiskey – it will become a permanent fixture on your bar cart.

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