3 Decades, 3 Aberlour Whiskies 

Welcome back to Old, Rare, & Open. This week I sample three Aberlour whiskies from the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. Will the profiles of these whiskies change over the decades?

Aberlour-Glenlivet from the 1970s (9-year-old)

This Aberlour whisky was bottled when the distillery was still using the Glenlivet suffix. The bottle is very distinctive and this 9 year old whisky is highly sought-after by collectors. 

Colour: Pale Gold
Nose: Musty with a hint of nuttiness and subtle cherry aromas.
Palate: Begins sweet with hints of raisins, quickly transforming into a white peppery spiciness with an underlying nutty flavor.
Overall: An interesting whisky with a medium-long, peppery, and nutty finish that is reminiscent of its era.
Score: 4/10

Aberlour-Glenlivet from the 1980s (12-year-old)

The next Aberlour on our list still uses the Glenlivet suffix. Slightly older at 12 years old and bottled in the 1980s, this whisky uses the term “pure malt” on the label. The term “pure malt” was banned in 2009 due to inconsistent labelling. 

Colour: Amber
Nose: A rich fruitiness of raisins, figs, and fresh apples. No mustiness detected.
Palate: Starts off with vanilla and apple flavors, gradually shifting towards coffee grinds, mocha, and a hint of chocolate
Overall: A complex and evolving whisky with a balance of fruitiness and richer notes. Makes for an enjoyable drinking experience
Score: 7/10

Aberlour-Glenlivet from the 1990s (12-year-old)

This Aberlour-Glenlivet was bottled in the 1990s at 12 years old. Will it fare better or worse than the whisky above from the 1980s? Let’s find out. 

Colour: Copper
Nose: Mustier with a distinct aroma of pear drops.
Palate: Larger flavor profile with cherry and pear notes. Starts off sweet but ends with a sour twist, particularly in the oak finish.
Overall: Despite the less favorable profile among the three whiskies, it still offers an intriguing tasting experience.
Score: 5/10