Aultmore 12 Year 750ML is a Speyside single malt Scotch whisky bottled at 46% ABV in a 750ml format, aged exclusively in refill American oak hogsheads. A Double Gold Medal winner at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, this expression has earned consistent critical recognition for its delicate, fruit-forward character and silky mouthfeel.Quick Facts: ABV: 46% | Origin: Speyside, Scotland | 12 Year Age Statement | Distillery: Aultmore, Keith, BanffshireProduction & HeritageAultmore Distillery sits near Keith in Banffshire, surrounded by an area known locally as the "Foggie Moss" — a damp, mist-shrouded landscape whose high humidity produces an unusually low angel's share during maturation. The distillery operates six copper pot stills (three wash stills at 15,500 liters and three spirit stills at 15,000 liters), with a generous distillation cut taken between 73% and 61% ABV to capture a clean, fruit-rich new-make spirit. For this 12-year-old expression, maturation occurs in refill American oak hogsheads — an intentional choice that allows the spirit's delicate, ethereal character to develop without being dominated by aggressive oak influence. The slow, cool aging environment of the Foggie Moss preserves the vibrant green and floral notes that define Aultmore's house style.Tasting NotesAroma: Clean and fresh, opening with green apple and peach before moving into lemon candy, vanilla, and malted biscuit. Subtle floral notes — dandelion, rose, apple blossom — emerge alongside hints of fresh hay and aromatic herbs like rosemary and thyme.Taste: The entry is silky and light, leading with creamy vanilla and honey sweetness. At mid-palate, a powerful burst of citrus — grapefruit, lemon, pear — pushes through, balanced by fresh herbal and grassy undertones. The mouthfeel remains remarkably smooth, allowing nuanced flavors to develop gradually across the palate.Finish: Medium-length and gently herbal, tapering into sea salt, lime zest, and a whisper of dry earthiness. A subtle peppery warmth lingers alongside residual creaminess, giving the finish an appealing savory quality.How to Drink Aultmore 12At 46% ABV and non-chill filtered, this whisky rewards neat sipping at room temperature; a few drops of water open up additional floral and herbal complexity without diminishing body. Its fruit-forward, grassy profile also translates well into cocktails. A Highball with quality soda water highlights the green apple and citrus brightness. A Penicillin benefits from Aultmore's herbal backbone, which complements ginger and honey syrup without getting lost. A Bobby Burns pairs the whisky's floral-vanilla sweetness with sweet vermouth and Bénédictine for an elegant after-dinner serve.Best For Speyside enthusiasts exploring lesser-known distilleries beyond the mainstream names Gifting a whisky lover who values understated elegance over showy complexity Building a single malt tasting flight around light, floral Speyside styles Weekend afternoon drams where a gentle, refreshing character is preferred over heavy peat or sherry influence Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Aultmore 12 taste like? Aultmore 12 is a fruit-driven, floral Speyside malt dominated by green apple, vanilla, honey, and citrus, with a signature herbal undertone of rosemary and thyme. The mouthfeel is silky and light, finishing with gentle sea salt and lingering peppery warmth.How does Aultmore 12 compare to Dalwhinnie 15? Both are gentle, approachable Highland/Speyside malts, but Aultmore 12 leans more herbal and grassy with a higher bottling strength of 46% ABV versus Dalwhinnie 15's 43%. Dalwhinnie 15 tends toward a sweeter, more honeyed profile with heather notes, while Aultmore delivers sharper citrus and a drier, more complex finish.Is Aultmore 12 good for sipping neat? Yes — its 46% ABV provides enough body and intensity for neat sipping without being overpowering, and its layered fruit and herbal notes reward slow, attentive drinking.Where is Aultmore 12 made? Aultmore 12 is distilled at the Aultmore Distillery in Keith, Banffshire, within Scotland's Speyside whisky region. The distillery is situated near the Foggie Moss, a misty lowland area whose cool, humid microclimate contributes to slow, gentle maturation.What foods pair well with Aultmore 12? Smoked salmon or trout complement the whisky's sea salt and citrus notes. Light herbed goat cheese mirrors its rosemary-thyme character. Lemon tart or crème brûlée echoes the vanilla and citrus sweetness. Seared scallops with herb butter align with the creamy, grassy profile. Fresh stone fruit or apple tart reinforces the core green apple and peach notes.What sizes does Aultmore 12 come in? The standard bottling is available in a 750ml format, which is the most widely distributed size.Is Aultmore 12 worth the price? Aultmore 12 positions as a mid-range single malt, competing directly with well-known 12- and 15-year-old Speyside expressions but offering a distinctive herbal-floral profile that sets it apart. Its 46% ABV, non-chill filtered presentation, and consistent award history — including multiple Double Gold medals — represent strong value for the quality tier.Why Aultmore 12?Aultmore remains one of Speyside's genuinely under-the-radar distilleries, long prized by blenders for its clean, characterful spirit but only recently showcased as a single malt in its own right. The 12-year-old expression captures a style that's become increasingly hard to find in modern Scotch: delicate, herbal, and restrained, with the confidence to let spirit quality speak for itself rather than relying on heavy cask influence. Back-to-back Double Gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2019, 2021) and Gold at the World Whiskies Awards confirm this isn't just a hidden gem narrative — the liquid genuinely competes at a high level. For drinkers looking beyond the familiar Speyside names, Aultmore 12 delivers a distinctive, mist-kissed character rooted in place and process.
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