Aberlour 12 Year Old Double Cask Review – Speyside’s Apple Pie & Spice Comfort Dram

At Whisky Clan, every dram is welcome, neat, with water, or over ice. We don’t judge how you drink your whisky, we just enjoy the story and the flavour.

For this episode (and blog), we’re heading to Speyside to explore a true classic: Aberlour 12 Year Old Double Cask Matured. This whisky has comfort written all over it, think apple pie, cinnamon spice, and a toasted oak finish.

The Distillery – A Speyside Icon

Founded in 1879 by James Fleming, Aberlour Distillery sits in the heart of Speyside, a stone’s throw from the River Spey and its tributary, the River Lour. The name Aberlour means mouth of the chattering burn, perfectly describing the distillery’s picturesque setting.

Fleming’s guiding principle was “Let the deed show”, in other words, let your work speak for itself. That ethos remains on every bottle to this day.

In 1898, disaster struck when a fire destroyed much of the distillery and its precious whisky stocks. The rebuild was handled by Charles Doig, a legendary distillery architect whose pagoda roofs became a hallmark of Scotch whisky production.

James Fleming wasn’t just a distiller; he was deeply invested in his community. He funded the Victoria “Penny” Bridge to give villagers a safer way to cross the River Spey and is buried just across the road from his distillery.

Today, Aberlour is part of Pernod Ricard / Chivas Brothers. In 2022, the owners announced an £88 million investment to expand capacity and introduce more sustainable practices, proof that the brand is looking forward while honouring tradition.

From 10 to 12 – A Range Evolves

For decades, Aberlour’s core range began with the 10 Year Old. Around 2020–2021, that changed — the 12 Year Old Double Cask Matured became the brand’s entry-level age statement in many markets.

It was a shift that signalled a gentle move upmarket, offering a touch more maturity and complexity as the starting point for the range.

Other highlights include:

• 14, 16, and 18 Year Old Double Cask expressions.

• Casg Annamh – small batch, 48% ABV.

• A’bunadh – cask-strength, Oloroso sherry matured, and a cult favourite among sherried whisky fans.

Bottle & Box Notes

The Aberlour 12 comes in a sturdy, rounded bottle with a thick glass base and a deep punt, it feels reassuring in the hand. The label is classic Aberlour: cream background, burgundy accents, and gold lettering, with the distillery crest front and centre.

The presentation tube mirrors the bottle’s style, with burgundy ends, a cream middle section, embossed branding, and “Let the deed show” picked out in gold. Understated elegance that signals quality without shouting about it.

Double Cask Maturation

Aberlour 12 is matured in:

• American oak ex-bourbon barrels – adding vanilla, honey, and gentle toffee.

• Oloroso sherry butts – delivering dried fruit, cinnamon, and warming spice.

After maturation, the two whiskies are married together to create a balanced profile that’s approachable yet full of character. Bottled at 40% ABV, it’s easy-going for newcomers but has enough depth for experienced drinkers.

Fun Facts & Marketing

• Name origins: Aberlour translates to mouth of the chattering burn.

• Red doors: The distillery’s bold red doors have become a brand trademark.

• A’bunadh’s origin: Inspired by a 19th-century bottle found during 1970s renovations.

In terms of marketing, Aberlour has favoured story-led campaigns over flashy TV ads.

• Made From Experience (2014) – a storytelling-led global push across print, digital, and events.

• Voice-O-Graph Tour (2015) – a travelling 1947 recording booth for people to record and keep personal stories.

• Everything Considered (2025) – a travel retail campaign focused on craft and heritage.

Tasting Notes – Aberlour 12 Double Cask Matured

Nose: Baked red apple, honey, vanilla, a touch of orange zest, and warming cinnamon, like apple pie in a glass.

Palate: Sweet orchard fruits, orange peel, almond, and a hint of liquorice, with nutmeg and cinnamon adding depth.

Finish: Toasted oak, gentle sherry warmth, lingering spice. Comforting and familiar, yet layered enough to keep you exploring. Rating: 76

Join the Conversation

Have you tried Aberlour 12, or perhaps the old 10-year-old? What fruit and spice notes do you get from it? And if there’s a whisky you’d like to see on Whisky Clan, supermarket favourite, travel retail find, or dusty rarity, let us know in the comments.

At Whisky Clan, all drams are welcome.