Aberlour's a'bunadh with Picante Bonbon and Alec Bradley Tempus Centuria Cigar

The dark liquid amber of Aberlour a'bunadh makes it seem as if the lusciously rich colors of autumn were captured in a bottle.  With cask strength heartiness and 100% sherry finish, this luxurious single malt warms body and soul as the crisp chill of season's change fills the air.  A'bunadh (pronounced a-boo-na) makes for the perfect November Featured Pairing with a spicy Picante bonbon and sumptuous Alec Bradley Tempus Centuria cigar.

Aberlour distillery is located in the heart of Speyside, situated at the junction of rivers Lour and Spey near the historic location of St. Drostan's Well.  With Ben Rinnes' rugged peaks in the background and surrounding woods cloaked in radiant fall colors, this is a great time to visit the distillery. The community of Aberlour echoes an ancient heritage and magical past reflected in the mysterious standing stones on Fairy Hill.

A'bunadh was developed as a tribute to distillery founder James Fleming and aspires to reflect whisky as it would have been made in 1879.  Bourbon casks were not yet used in the maturing process and most scotch was delivered cask strength.  A'bunadh which is Gaelic for "the origin" is non-chill filtered and matured in the finest Oloroso Sherry Butts harkening back to the old days when sherry was imported from Spain.  The result is a fine homage to Fleming.  The nose of this malt is lush with sherry prominent, followed by pralines and a gentle touch of smoke.  Your first taste is warming.  The flavor is full, creamy and layered.  Nougat, cherry brandy and ripe autumn fruits treat the taste buds.  The finish is honeyed, filled with spice, long and satisfying.

Picante is the perfect bonbon for this robust malt.  Gooey and sumptuous caramel has a hint of cabernet and is layered with raisin fondue.  The center oozes with flavors of lush and ripe autumn fruit then finishes with a wonderful spiciness.  Enrobed in a rich dark chocolate, this confection enhances the spice and fruit flavors of our featured whisky.  (Click on picture to go to bonbon collection).

Out of Honduras comes the Tempus, a highly rated cigar by Alec Bradley released in 2008.  Using wrapper, binder and filler leaves from small non-commercial farms, owner Alan Rubin created a dark, attractive powerhouse of a cigar with fabulous flavors and aromas.  Sweet and full of spice, chocolate and coffee flavors, this cigar is a robust smoke.  It starts off with pepper and spice, then settles into an earthy, leathery background with multiple notes of chocolate, coffee, spice and dried fruits.  A sweetness to the finish softens the full bodied flavors.  While the Tempus does mellow out in the middle, it ends with a full strength bang.  (Click on the picture for more notes on this cigar.)  

Tempus' powerful and rich flavors are perfectly matched to the Aberlour a'bunadh whisky and complimented by the Picante bonbon. Spice matches spice.  The rich coffee and chocolate notes of the cigar mimic the bonbon and pair wonderfully with the creamy sherry flavors of our liquid autumn dram.  A great adult treat for All Hallow's Eve or any other crisp fall evening.