Overview: Aberlour Distillery introduces two new core range expressions, the 21 Years Old and 25 Years Old single malts, marking a significant expansion for the Speyside producer. The debut occurs at Whisky Live Paris in September 2026, representing the oldest permanent expressions since the 18 Years Old launch in 2008.
The Full Story
Chivas Brothers-owned Aberlour Distillery will present these new whiskies at Whisky Live Paris, scheduled from 26-28 September at Grande Halle de la Villette. Following the event, both expressions will be rolled out to specialist retailers worldwide as annual limited small batch runs. The release signifies a proud milestone for the distillery, described by master distiller Graeme Cruickshank as a powerful union of time and craftsmanship.
Production & Profile
Each whisky utilizes Aberlour’s double cask maturation technique, where constituent single malts are fully matured in ex-Bourbon barrels and oloroso Sherry casks before being married together. The Aberlour 21 Years Old is bottled at 48% ABV without added colouring or chill filtration, carrying an RRP of €270 (US$307) for 700ml. Tasting notes include cherries, baked apples, chocolate ganache, and crystallised ginger on the nose, followed by a palate of blood orange, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
The Aberlour 25 Years Old is presented at natural cask strength of 50.8% ABV, also without additives or chill filtration, with an RRP of €650 (US$740) per 700ml. This expression offers notes reminiscent of peaches in syrup, red liquorice, marzipan, and red plums accompanied by cardamon, fresh ginger, and a subtle hint of cardamom.
Brand & Industry History
Aberlour Distillery was founded in 1879 by James Fleming. The facility has been owned by Pernod Ricard since its acquisition of Scottish whisky firm Chivas Brothers in 2001. In September 2025, the distillery bottled its oldest single malt to date for the Distillers One of One charity auction, where a 53-year-old expression fetched £60,000 (US$79,360). Later that year, Aberlour released a 50-year-old single malt limited to just 20 bottles globally at a price of £31,000 (US$40,700) per 700ml.
What This Means
Master distiller Graeme Cruickshank noted that the introduction of these expressions is a proud milestone for everyone at the distillery. He stated that bringing a whisky of this age to fruition demands absolute sensory precision and patience, comparing the journey to crafting exceptional chocolate. By meticulously curating casks over two decades, the team has captured the wood’s influence at its absolute peak, creating the pinnacle of heritage and the definition of Speyside luxury.
Consumer Takeaway
The release offers drinkers access to highly limited small batch runs available through specialist retailers worldwide. Consumers can expect a powerful union of time and craftsmanship without added colouring or chill filtration. The bottles represent the oldest permanent expressions in the core range, offering distinct profiles ranging from 48% ABV to natural cask strength at 50.8%.
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