Aberlour debuts 50YO whisky for £31,000
Chivas Brothers-owned Speyside distillery Aberlour has released its first 50-year-old whisky, with just 20 bottles available globally for £31,000 (US$40,700) each.
The single malt has been shaped over five decades by Aberlour’s whisky makers, including most recently its master distiller Graeme Cruickshank and his team.
Cruickshank said the whisky is for “those who seek the exceptional and the storied”.
He explained: “The Aberlour 50 Year Old is more than just a whisky; it’s a living legacy, a culmination of time, nature, and the unwavering dedication of our craftspeople.
“Each drop tells a story of five decades of careful nurturing, reflecting the unique character of our Speyside home and the deep expertise passed down through the distillery’s history.”
Regarding the 50-year-old’s profile, its nose is said to reveal a medley of soft fruits – ripe apricot, red apple and pear – which are accentuated with sweetness from cantaloupe melon. Toasted hazelnut, light meringue and marshmallow dipped in milk chocolate then follow, with hints of nutmeg and cinnamon, plus a ‘deeper whisper’ of toasted oak.
For the palate, drinkers will find a sweet and tangy orange marmalade, intertwined with rich creamy vanilla fudge, notes of vanilla custard tart and a stem ginger soaked in syrup that balances the sweetness.
The finish is described as ‘both long and sweet’ with a ‘delicate hint of spice that lingers’.
The whisky is also presented in a bespoke oak cabinet to match its age and craftsmanship.
Handmade by designer John Galvin, it was constructed from 12 oak staves, inspired by the casks that held the liquid for its maturation. The interior showcases cooperage techniques, while the exterior highlights how oak transforms through carvings that take after the ridges and textures of natural bark.
Additionally, the case includes a milled granite plinth, or stone, taken from Aberlour’s decommissioned warehouse, which the distillery noted as a chance to own a piece of its history.
Bottled at 45.2% ABV, Aberlour 50 Year Old has an RRP of £31,000 (US$40,700) and is available exclusively on The Whisky Exchange.
Last month, Aberlour also launched a limited edition Sherry cask collection for its high-ABV A’Bunadh whisky.
It also participated in the Distillers One of One charity auction with a one-off 53-year-old expression called The Mouth of the Chattering Burn, its oldest whisky to date.
Related news
The Singleton: setting the pace for a new generation of Scotch drinkers
