Aberlour Distillery: History, Owner, Range and Visitor Guide
Updated: 1 day ago
Aberlour is one of Speyside's best-known double cask single malt distilleries, founded by James Fleming in the village beside the River Spey. Its familiar 12, 14, 16 and 18 Year Old expressions use American and sherry-seasoned oak, while A'bunadh celebrates powerful sherry cask strength whisky.
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Aberlour at a glance
Distillery fact | Aberlour |
|---|---|
Location | Aberlour, near the Lour Burn and River Spey |
Founder | James Fleming, banker and grain merchant |
Established | 1879; spirit first produced in 1880 |
Owner | Chivas Brothers, part of Pernod Ricard |
Signature maturation | Double cask: American oak and sherry-seasoned oak |
Production water | Birkenbush springs |
Famous bottling | A'bunadh, released in numbered cask-strength batches |
Visitor experiences | Bookable distillery tours and guided tastings |
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Where is Aberlour Distillery?
Aberlour, near the Lour Burn and River Spey. This region contains several historic whisky producers with very different styles.
Aberlour history and ownership
James Fleming established the Aberlour distillery in 1879, with production beginning by the end of 1880. His motto, 'Let the deed show', is associated with philanthropic improvements around the village, including a hospital and community buildings.
Ownership moved through Robert Thorne & Sons, W.H. Holt & Sons and S. Campbell & Sons during the twentieth century. Aberlour now belongs to Chivas Brothers, a division of Pernod Ricard.
The combination of American oak and sherry-seasoned wood became a distinctive part of the Aberlour identity. In September 2026 the brand introduced 21 and 25 Year Old as its oldest permanent expressions; availability is market dependent.
How Aberlour whisky is made
Aberlour draws distilling water from the Birkenbush springs. The distillery emphasises carefully selected barley and separate maturation in American oak and sherry casks. The matured whiskies are then combined, building fruit, honey, spice and nutty flavours.
A'bunadh is a separate, batch-numbered expression centred on concentrated sherry-influenced, cask-strength whisky. Its ABV changes from batch to batch and should never be presented as one fixed strength. A'bunadh Alba offers a contrasting American oak-led style.
What makes Aberlour distinctive?
Double cask whisky does not necessarily mean a single bottle is sequentially finished in two casks. At Aberlour, matured whisky from different cask types may be combined. Exact recipes differ by release, so use the official bottle description.
Aberlour whisky range and bottle comparison
Current double-cask bottling strengths differ by release and market. A'bunadh is a batch-numbered cask-strength whisky: check the actual bottle for its ABV.
Whisky expression | Age | Listed ABV | Maturation / wood |
|---|---|---|---|
12 Year Old Double Cask Matured | 12 years | 40% | Traditional oak and Oloroso sherry-seasoned oak |
14 Year Old Double Cask Matured | 14 years | Varies / check label | American oak barrels and sherry-seasoned butts |
16 Year Old Double Cask Matured | 16 years | 40% | American oak and Spanish Oloroso sherry casks |
18 Year Old Double Cask Matured | 18 years | 43% | Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry-seasoned oak |
A'bunadh Cask Strength | NAS | Varies / check label | Primarily Oloroso sherry-seasoned Spanish oak |
21 Year Old Single Batch | 21 years | 48% | American and sherry oak, small batch |
25 Year Old Single Batch | 25 years | 50.8% | American oak and Oloroso sherry oak, cask strength |
Official / producer tasting descriptions
These nose, palate and finish notes are adapted from available producer descriptions or specialist release information. They are not Whisky Clan tasting scores.
Bottle | Producer nose | Producer palate | Producer finish |
|---|---|---|---|
Aberlour 12 Year Old Double Cask Matured | Honey, pears and vanilla toffee | Orange, red apple, liquorice and almond | Sweet and gently spicy |
Aberlour 14 Year Old Double Cask Matured | Vanilla and ripe cherry | Caramel, blackcurrant jam and subtle spice | Long, balanced and sweet |
Aberlour 16 Year Old Double Cask Matured | Floral notes, raisins and spice | Plum, gentle oak and nuttiness | Long, warm and fruity |
Aberlour 18 Year Old Double Cask Matured | Ripe fruit, orange and toffee | Apricot, chocolate raisins, liquorice and nutmeg | Long, complex and sweet |
Aberlour 21 Year Old Single Batch | Cherry, dates, chocolate and ginger | Cranberry, blood orange, cocoa, cinnamon and nutmeg | Rich festive spice |
Aberlour 25 Year Old Single Batch | Orange, peach, butterscotch and cinnamon | Apricot, cherry, plum, vanilla and ginger | Fruity sweetness and gentle spice |
Aberlour bottle photograph
Rare, limited and special releases
A'bunadh, A'bunadh Alba, travel retail releases, the 2026 permanent 21 and 25 Year Old additions and distillery-exclusive casks offer different sides of Aberlour. A'bunadh's precise batch proof varies, and distillery-exclusive stock can sell out.
Aberlour awards and recognition
The Aberlour 12 and 16 Year Old product pages list 2024 International Spirits Challenge Gold. The official 18 Year Old page additionally records 2024 International Wine & Spirit Competition Gold at 96 points. Awards are tied to individual bottlings and specific years.
Where to buy Aberlour whisky
Availability differs across the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and Europe. The product and distillery sources below are intended to help you identify the exact release rather than imply any retailer has confirmed live stock. Check the bottle's age, ABV, edition, and distribution market before purchasing.
Visiting Aberlour Distillery
Aberlour offers four organised distillery experiences, ranging from an introduction to more exclusive tastings. Booking is recommended and prices may change. The distillery sits in Aberlour, Banffshire, AB38 9PJ, close to the River Spey.
Explore other distilleries in Speyside
Continue exploring the whisky regions with these nearby and related Whisky Clan guides:
Glenfiddich — Compare its whisky style, history and bottle range
Balvenie — Compare its whisky style, history and bottle range
Kininvie — Compare its whisky style, history and bottle range
Mortlach — Compare its whisky style, history and bottle range
Glendullan — Compare its whisky style, history and bottle range
Dufftown — Compare its whisky style, history and bottle range
Whisky Clan Aberlour bottle reviews
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Frequently asked questions about Aberlour
Who founded Aberlour Distillery?
James Fleming founded the distillery in 1879. Whisky production commenced in 1880.
Who owns Aberlour?
Chivas Brothers, part of Pernod Ricard, owns Aberlour.
What does double cask mean at Aberlour?
Whisky matured in American oak and sherry-seasoned casks is combined for balance and flavour.
What is A'bunadh?
A batch-numbered, sherry-influenced cask-strength Aberlour single malt. Strength varies by batch.
Can you visit Aberlour?
Yes. The official distillery website advertises four visitor experiences and tastings. Book ahead and check current times.
Sources and image credits
About the author
 | Filip Janczak Storyteller, drinker and explorer of all things whisky. Read more about the person behind Whisky Clan and explore additional reviews and distillery guides. |
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