Mythical Beasts Aberlour 13 Year Old Whisky

Key Facts About This Whisky

Range: Mythical Beasts

Release: Nyami Nyami

Distillery: Aberlour

Age: 13 Years Old

Region: Speyside

Cask Type: Finished in a PX sherry hogshead

Cask Ref: 4343

Alcohol by Volume: 58.0%

Bottled: Natural colour and without chill filtration

Limited Edition: 301 bottles

Bottle Size: 700ml

Aberlour 13 Year Old Tasting Notes

Without water

Appearance: Rich golden amber with warm copper tones from the Oloroso finish. Viscous legs form steadily, reflecting both strength and a well-integrated cask influence.

Nose: Inviting and rounded. Sultanas, milk chocolate and toffee lead, followed by baked apple and pear. The sherry profile adds layers of dried fruit, gentle spice and roasted nuts. Notes of orange oil, vanilla and soft oak create a warm, generous aroma.

Palate: Richly mouth-coating. Caramel, dates and raisin syrup dominate, supported by chocolate orange, nutmeg and soft spice. The sherry cask influence is bold but well integrated, allowing the distillery’s natural sweetness and malt character to shine through.

Finish: Medium to long, smooth and warming. Sweet spice, cocoa and gentle oak linger, alongside a classic fruitcake richness.

With water

Appearance: Lightens slightly to a softer golden amber. Legs become finer and more fluid.

Nose: Water brightens the profile, enhancing fresh orchard fruits - apple, pear and orange zest. Sherry notes become more refined, with lighter dried fruits and subtle nuttiness. Vanilla and sweet malt become more pronounced.

Palate: Softer, sweeter and more open. Fruit becomes fresher and more expressive, while the richness of the sherry softens into a gentle warmth. Honey, vanilla and malt sweetness come forward, with a smoother, more balanced texture.

Finish: Medium-long, warm and elegant. Fresh fruit, light oak and softened spice linger, fading cleanly with a gentle sherry glow.

Overall: A classic, generously styled Aberlour that showcases the harmony between Speyside fruit and Oloroso depth. Neat, it is rich, indulgent and full-bodied; with water, it becomes more refined and accessible, revealing balance, freshness and layered complexity.

Tasting notes by Lisa McWilliam, Spirits Writer, Great Taste Spirit Judge and Drinks Consultant.

About Nyami Nyami

As the River Spey winds its way through the green heart of Speyside, its clear waters carry with them echoes of stories older than the glens themselves. In the deepest currents lives Nyami Nyami, the great river spirit, a serpent-like guardian whose power is said to shape the fate of those who live along the banks. In myth he is both a protector and a force to be feared, granting prosperity and safety to his followers, yet never allowing them to forget the strength that lies beneath the surface.

Legend tells that Nyami Nyami still searches the river for his lost mate, travelling endlessly through the waters in quiet solitude. When his path is disturbed, the great spirit needs only the flick of his tail to send tremors through the earth and waves surging against the shore. Smooth yet powerful, layered with depth and a touch of wildness, this whisky reflects the nature of the river god, calm at first, but leaving a long, commanding finish that cannot be ignored.