Whisky review: Aberlour A'bunadh Batch Batch 38 Bottled @ 60.3%

Whisky review: Aberlour A'bunadh Batch Batch 38 Bottled @ 60.3%

-2nd Aberlour
-Each batches are different in both taste and quality so..beware.
-Non chill-filtered
-Cask Strength 
-A'bunadh = Original
-Blend of barrels containing 5 to 25 years old whiskies.

Colour: Dark brown, we can see it the Oloroso influence. Very thick robe (colour) yet very thin and juicy for a Cask Strength

Nose: Light distant sherry wine, a bit tight, closed. Brown sugar, licorice, sweet. Not very impressed but the nose even after giving it a few minutes to open in the glass.

Mouth:  A weird rubber taste, very smooth, spicy, red chili, vanilla, honeycomb, touches of cinnamon, distant hints of smoke, and a reflux of rubber. Very complex taste. Adding water opens this whisky to more fruity notes, sherry, spices. It remains similar to the ''neat'' version.

Finish: fruit acidity, red fruits, old sherry, spice dust.

B for the taste. It is simply ok. I am not sure I get the fuss about this bottling. Perhaps a different batch would have been better. In this regard, the 12 years old @ 48% was much better.
C+ for the price. It's priced at 90$ (SAQ) and 95$ (LCBO). At best the inconsistency proven between different batches should be toned by a lower price point: 60-65$ would be acceptable. Besides, as it takes time to open and has a complex palate, which at some point can not so interesting, I would suggest a taste before buying. Make sure you do enjoy the batch before purchase.
A for presentation. The bottling is always attractive and the handwriting makes it even more appealing.