I’ve enjoyed a few whiskies from Aberlour in the past, including a Twitter Tasting back in 2013 (one of the most sociable ways to try new whiskies while sat at home!)

I’m not sure I’ve tried quite such an old whisky from them though, so this should be interesting.

Aberlour 23 Year Old Batch 4 is a pale straw coloured dram, bottled at 51% ABV.

The nose is delicate and floral, with honeysuckle slowly yielding to apple flavoured boiled sweets. As it sits in the glass, a little light barley starts to appear too.

Watered, more fresh cut barley comes through along with a more natural apple character.

In the mouth it’s peppery and fruity; tart apples, a little buttery pastry and just a hint of barley right at the end. Water cuts the pepper heat back, but it’s still full of warmly spiced apples, with a more robust malt aspect.

Light and fruity, with a nice if subtle malted barley backbone – 3.5 stars.

Many thanks to Master Of Malt for providing their That Boutique-y Whisky Company Advent Calendar this year.