Aultmore

Aultmore whisky, hailing from the famed Speyside region of Scotland, is known for its elegant and refined character. Its spirit is notably clean, fresh, and slightly ethereal, making it a highly versatile malt. While historically a cornerstone for many well-known blended whiskies, recent official bottlings have brought its delicate beauty to the forefront. The unique water source from the Foggie Moss, filtering through diverse vegetation, is often credited for its distinctive pure and bright profile. Aultmore offers a refreshing departure from heavily sherried or peated whiskies, providing a sophisticated and approachable dram for various paled.

The story of Aultmore is one of quiet dedication and a well-guarded secret. Founded in 1896 by Alexander Edward, a distiller with a keen eye for quality, Aultmore was strategically located to utilize the pristine waters of the Foggie Moss. This area, known for its boggy terrain and consistent mist, provided a unique natural filtration system for the distillery's water. While many distilleries during the late 19th and early 20th centuries aimed for single malt sales, Aultmore's exceptional character quickly made it a prized component for blenders. Its clean, consistent, and adaptable spirit was a secret ingredient in many famous blends, meaning that for decades, Aultmore was rarely seen as a single malt. Whisky connoisseurs and blenders alike would refer to it as the "Foggie Moss" or the "nip of the Buckie road," a testament to its elusive and highly regarded nature. Despite changes in ownership over the years (from Alexander Edward to John Dewar & Sons, eventually becoming part of Bacardi), the commitment to Aultmore's unique spirit has remained. A major refurbishment in the 1970s modernized the distillery, but the essence of Aultmore, its purity and delicate fruitiness, endured. It wasn't until 2014 that Aultmore truly emerged from the shadows, with official single malt bottlings allowing the wider world to discover the refined beauty of this Speyside hidden gem. It's a testament to quality that a whisky so long kept for blending can now shine on its own, showcasing the true artistry of Scottish distillation.

• Nose: Fresh and vibrant with crisp green apples and pears, floral notes, gentle creaminess, and a hint of honey or vanilla. Some also detect subtle herbal notes like rosemary or thyme.
• Palate: Richer than the nose suggests, yet still light and elegant. Orchard fruits (apple, pear, sometimes banana or pineapple) mingle with sweet pastry, custard, and vanilla. A delicate spice often emerges, along with a clean, slightly grassy or herbal undertone.

Neat: The purest way to appreciate its character. Take small sips, letting the whisky coat your palate. With a few drops of water: Adding a small amount of still, cool water can "open up" the whisky, releasing more aromas and flavours. Experiment to find your preferred dilution. In a classic cocktail: While excellent neat, its clean profile makes it a good base for lighter, fruit-forward cocktails where the whisky's character isn't overpowered.

• Cheese: Soft, creamy cheeses like Brie or goat cheese complement its delicate notes. Lighter cheddars can also work well.
• Seafood: Cold-smoked salmon, pan-seared scallops, or fresh oysters can beautifully highlight its subtle marine and fruit elements.
• Desserts: Fruit tarts, apple crumble, or vanilla custard desserts resonate with its inherent sweetness and fruitiness.
• Lighter Meats: Roasted chicken or lean pork dishes can be a good match, allowing the whisky to cleanse the palate without being overwhelmed.

• A "Blender's Secret" Revealed: Experience the backbone of many celebrated blends, now available in its unadulterated form.
• Unparalleled Purity: Our unique water source from the Foggie Moss imparts a remarkable clean and ethereal quality to our whisky.
• Unparalleled Purity: Our unique water source from the Foggie Moss imparts a remarkable clean and ethereal quality to our whisky.

Aultmore whisky is a testament to the enduring appeal of quality and subtlety. For years, it was the unsung hero of many celebrated blends, its clean and elegant spirit providing the perfect canvas. Now, as a standalone single malt, Aultmore truly shines, offering a sophisticated and refreshing experience. Its distinct purity, derived from the Foggie Moss, sets it apart, delivering a whisky that is both approachable and deeply rewarding. Whether you are a seasoned connoisseur seeking a nuanced dram or a newcomer exploring the world of Scotch, Aultmore is a highly recommended choice for its balanced fruit, gentle sweetness, and remarkably clean finish. It's a whisky that invites contemplation and consistently delivers quiet excellence.