Aberlour Casg Annamh
Official Release | 48% ABV
The Proust effect
I believe it’s called “a Proustian moment”: That sensory experience in which a lingering scent, a visual flash, or even a specific flavour immediately and involuntarily triggers an associated memory.
For some, smelling a particular perfume or cologne immediately triggers a memory of a person that wore that scent. The same can occur with the smell of certain foods. Invariably, for example, I’m transported back to my grandmother’s kitchen when the aroma of frying potato latkes meet my nostrils. We all have many such sensory associations. A new, and close to home, association came about for me last year.
In 2022 I spent a good portion of time away from home and with my father and step-mother. My father had been diagnosed with cancer. He was 81 years old and the prognosis was terminal. Upon hearing the news, my brother and I each set aside what we were doing and travelled together to Florida. It was a terrible time of angst, frustration, and raw emotion. We assisted my father and step-mother in as many things as we could – helped with banking issues, estate issues, chores around their house and ran errands. My brother helped with all things computer-related, as it’s his profession, and I cooked because not only is that a happy chore for me but my emotionally taxed step-mother was more than glad to hand over the apron.
The painful day-to-day reality of a terminal illness was tempered, however, with the fact my father was a great communicator. Even though his faculties and sharpness were ebbing, his wit and desire to impart thoughts and memories didn’t fade. While we still had time, we had wonderful discussions about family, religion, parenthood (his and mine), sociology, and reflecting on his eight decades on this blue orb. There were also quiet times of which, as I look back, I cannot underscore enough how much I appreciate them. Simply being present. Some would say holding vigil. Just being together.
My brother and I were ever-present, to a point. My father and step-mother preferred that my brother and I stay at an accommodation close by instead of sleeping at their house. They didn’t say it, but clearly they needed time just to themselves. I feel safe speaking for my brother when I say that those evenings at our accommodation were often long and trying.
One week, my brother and I struck out to fulfil a task before we left for the evening. After we parked the car and were walking towards our intended shop, I noticed a liquor store. I asked my brother if he minded if I took a detour. A nice dram in the evenings would not only help me sleep (which was fleeting on some nights), but would give me a small oasis of peace. I was surprised the store carried a few expressions I hadn’t sampled previously. After reading the canister of the Aberlour Casg Annamh, I thought it would be a nice evening sipper.
I was drawn to this bottle as I had previously enjoyed my time with an Aberlour A’Bunadh. That said, I hesitated as I didn’t want an in-your-face sweet and fruity sherry bomb. However, the Casg Annamh seemed to have a different focus and the fact it was triple cask matured intrigued me. While not cask strength, it was non-chill filtered and its 48% ABV sealed the deal. I was rewarded with a rich and layered dram that allowed me to sit and ponder. There would be, and was, some respite at night time.
My father passed roughly a month later. One day I shall see him again, and that next embrace with him will resonate beyond words. Until then, he lives on in my heart and soul, and through the stories I tell my children.
A week ago, I walked into a local store to see what whiskies were on their shelves and my eyes were immediately drawn to the matte grey canister with the white arching lettering spelling out “Aberlour”. I stood transfixed for a few seconds as I hadn’t seen another Casg Annamh since leaving Florida. Unless the bottle cost north of $100, I was going home with it. I don’t recall what I paid for the bottle in Florida, but was relieved when I saw the price tag of $64.
When I returned home I poured a healthy dram, and raised the glass to my father. When the aroma hit my nose I was immediately transported back to those Florida evenings, sitting in the hotel’s desk chair across from my bed, sipping and pondering. I was instantly back to those warm and humid nights reflecting on my father, the chats we had, mortality, and family.
Review
Aberlour Casg Annamh, Batch No. 0007, NAS, Non-chill filtered, Lot LKPS7523, 48% ABV
US$64 (£53) paid. Generally and widely available.
Nose
A warm sherry is immediately present, but it shares space with a rich vanilla layer. Orange zest and toffee. Spices of cinnamon, clove, and ginger. Cashews and some oak. Rich. Raw honeycomb.
Palate
The first thing that strikes me is the spiciness. Added to the cinnamon, clove, and ginger from the nose, there’s a peppery element. It took more than one sip to acclimate to the spice-forward nature of what was rolling over my tongue From start to finish the tingle of spice is present. The 48% ABV gives a good mouthfeel - not oily, but there is body. The orange zest and toffee come forward. Over-ripe apricots and honeycrisp apples. Dates, plums and a hint of rum. Bittersweet chocolate chips and honey mix with a maltiness. Light notes of anise. Nice, spicy and good finish. The finish is not terribly long, but not short either. Having this again reminded me how good this was to sit, sip, and reflect. Many facets to enjoy and dissect… and I really came to enjoy that tingle.
During my time in Florida I didn’t dilute the whisky but for this review, I added water to my glass to see what changes would come. As a starting point, the spiciness ebbs away in proportion to the water used. In my opinion, the absence of the spiciness is a large detriment. I miss it. However, some prefer the spice toned down – if that’s you, add a few drops of water. Water allows the fruit to come forward, but the fruit is not as vibrant. Perhaps without its foil the vibrancy suffers. Also, the toffee changes to more of a browned butter/caramel overlay. Still a nice dram, but, to me, not nearly as interesting or engaging as it is as a neat pour.
The Dregs
Last year, I bought this bottle because I was familiar with Aberlour but not familiar with this particular expression. However, compared to the A’Bunadh, I find this particular batch of Casg Annamh provides a broader depth of flavours. Sure, the cask strength of the A’Bunadh is a selling point, but it’s a one-trick pony of a sherry bomb. A very good sherry bomb, for sure.
When push comes to shove I’d rather have a more complex flavour sipping experience with a slightly lower but still healthy ABV – and therein lies the tipping of the scales. The Casg Annamh is the next, better step up from the A’Bunadh. This has more interesting angles as opposed to the sherry bomb expression; it’s spicier with a broader spectrum of flavours ranging from rum to dark chocolate, to plums, to a hint of anise, to cinnamon apples. I won’t compare it with the Aberlour 12 – the 40% ABV being but a wisp of what its big siblings are.
My score is, I believe, from my nosing and taste experience – but I can’t completely discount the accompanying emotional ties. As much as I try to divest my tasting from my Proustian moments, I know this dram registers on the emotional scale. The score, however, appears solid as a brief sampling of opinions of friends have this as simply a tasty dram. Their reactions would translate to a 6/10 and others think this is one of the better drams they have had in a while. Emotional baggage and all, for me, this dram is a treat.
If you’re looking for a whisky with some sherry maturation but not a sherry bomb that carries a healthy bit of spice and a decent ABV, I recommend the Casg Annamh. I understand this is a batch release and that flavours can vary between bottles, but if you come across it, do yourself a favour and pick it up. You may not have the same visceral draw to the canister but it’s worth your while – especially at the price I paid.
Whether it’s with a dram of Casg Annamh or not, this evening I ask you fellow and wonderful Dramface whisky peeps to all raise a glass with me as I relay a toast:
May the Lord love us, but not call us too soon.
Score: 7/10
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