Description

Aultmore 2006 Aged 18 Years Single Malt Scotch Whisky – Symington’s Choice Cask Strength Collection By Signatory Vintage Cask 900192 (700ml)

Volume: 700ml          ABV: 65.5%           Age: 18 Years Old           Country: Scotland

Cask Number(s): 5
Date of Distilling: 10.04.2006
Date of Bottling: 18.02.2025
Matured In: 1st Fill Oloroso Sherry Butt

This Aultmore 2006, part of Signatory Vintage’s “Symington’s Choice Cask Strength Collection,” is a remarkable 18-year-old Speyside single malt. Distilled in 2006 and bottled in February 2025, it spent its entire maturation in a single first-fill Oloroso sherry butt (Cask #900192). This has imbued the spirit with profound depth and richness. Released at an impressive cask strength of 65.5% ABV, only 594 bottles were yielded from this exceptional cask. Expect a powerful yet elegant whisky, showcasing Aultmore’s typically delicate character beautifully amplified by layers of dark fruits, chocolate, and complex spices from the sherry.

Signatory Vintage, an independent bottler with a reputation for selecting and bottling exceptional whiskies, handpicked this cask for its outstanding quality and the harmonious marriage of flavours it imparted to the whisky. The Symington’s Choice series represents the pinnacle of Signatory Vintage’s cask strength offerings, showcasing the unique character and depth that can be achieved through careful cask selection and extended maturation.

Nestled in the remote “Foggie Moss” of Speyside, Aultmore Distillery, founded in 1897 by Alexander Edward, is a hidden gem often referred to as “a real secret Speyside.” Its unique location provides exceptionally pure, soft water, contributing to the distillery’s reputation for producing an exceptionally clean and crisp spirit. For decades, Aultmore has been highly sought after by blenders, particularly for its crucial role in premium blends, leading it to be dubbed “the backbone of blends.”

Aultmore’s single malt is celebrated for its refined and elegant character, often described as light, fresh, and grassy, with delicate notes of apple, pear, honey, and a subtle floral sweetness. Its purity of spirit shines through, offering a sophisticated and refreshing dram.

This whisky is bottled at a cask strength of 65.6% alc/vol, non-chillfiltered, and with natural colour, preserving its full flavour and intensity. Only 594 bottles were produced from this single cask, making it a rare and highly sought after release for collectors and connoisseurs.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: A powerful yet surprisingly refined initial burst of rich dried fruits – think sun-dried raisins, plump figs, and dates macerated in a dark rum. This is quickly followed by an alluring wave of dark chocolate, almost 70% cocoa, alongside freshly ground coffee beans. Beneath this luxurious cloak, a subtle floral whisper of dried potpourri and old leather emerges, with a hint of toasted almonds and the lingering sweetness of treacle tart.

Palate: An immediate, mouth-filling viscosity that feels almost chewy. The immense cask strength asserts itself with a delightful warmth, carrying intense flavors of rich fruitcake laden with glacé cherries and candied orange peel. Deep, dark caramel notes intertwine with bitter orange marmalade and a distinct nutty character – roasted hazelnuts and walnuts. Hints of rich pipe tobacco and dark honey surface, balanced by a subtle, almost mineral dryness and a surprising underlying freshness that speaks to Aultmore’s typically clean spirit.

Finish: Extremely long and evolving, a symphony of lingering sherry influence. The dark fruits persist, gradually yielding to a warm, peppery spice – black pepper and a touch of ginger – that beautifully offsets the initial sweetness. Notes of old oak furniture, a touch of liquorice, and a faint whisper of worn leather complete the journey, leaving a satisfyingly dry and complex aftertaste that begs for reflection.

Aultmore offers a chance to experience a truly distinguished Speyside malt, a connoisseur’s choice that embodies understated quality and natural balance.