Aberlour Adds 21 and 25 Years Old to Core Range

Two New Permanent Expressions for Aberlour

Aberlour has announced two additions to its permanent core range: the 21 Years Old and the 25 Years Old. These become the distillery's oldest expressions in continuous production, representing a significant extension of the Speyside distillery's aged portfolio.

Both releases debuted at Whisky Live Paris in late September 2026 and are now available through selected German retailers, with broader distribution expected shortly. Both will also be presented in limited quantities at InterWhisky in Wiesbaden, running 20 to 22 November 2026.

The 21 Years Old: Depth Through Extended Maturation

The Aberlour 21 Years Old is bottled at 48% ABV, the product of more than two decades spent in both American oak and sherry casks. This maturation approach allows the spirit to develop considerable complexity through the interaction of both wood types.

On the nose, the whisky presents aromas of juicy cherries, spicy baked apple, and toffee. The palate reveals chocolate and warm ginger, with a fine, lingering spice that carries through to the finish. These characteristics reflect the depth that extended aging brings to Aberlour's particular double maturation method.

"The introduction of these 21 and 25 year old releases is a milestone for everyone at the distillery. Having personally accompanied the 21 Year Old on its journey from grain to glass, I know firsthand how much patience, precision, and care are required to create a whisky of this age. It is the ultimate expression of what happens when craftsmanship meets time."

The 25 Years Old: Rare Casks and Minimal Intervention

The Aberlour 25 Years Old takes a more selective approach, sourced from only a handful of hand chosen casks reserved for this release. The blend incorporates a traditional sherry hogshead alongside American oak casks, each selected for its specific contribution to the final profile.

Bottled at cask strength without chill filtration to preserve the whisky's full character, the 25 Years Old may vary in ABV between releases according to individual cask characteristics. The nose displays sweet, fruit focused aromas, while the palate unfolds with silky texture and notes of creamy vanilla, balanced against warm ginger and aromatic cardamom spice.

Aberlour's Extended Portfolio

These core range expressions complement Aberlour's existing aged bottlings on Spiritory. The distillery already offers the A'bunadh Sherry Cask Collection Release 1 Cask Nr.100, which emphasizes sherry cask maturation, and the 50 Years Old, a rare vintage release. The new 21 and 25 Years Old are permanent core range members that Aberlour releases as annual, strictly limited single batches, unlike one off vintage releases, which brings extended age into the standard lineup.

Availability

Pricing was not confirmed at the time of announcement, though both expressions are reaching German specialty retailers with pricing information expected shortly.

The Aberlour 21 Years Old and Aberlour 25 Years Old are available on Spiritory.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the 25 Years Old differ from the 21 Years Old?

The 25 Years Old uses a strictly limited selection of hand chosen casks, is bottled at cask strength without chill filtration (meaning ABV varies by bottle), and focuses on rare cask sources. The 21 Years Old is a fixed 48% ABV expression with a more consistent profile while still delivering depth from two decades of maturation.

Are these limited editions or permanent products?

Both are permanent members of Aberlour's core range and will remain part of the lineup, but Aberlour releases them as annual, strictly limited single batches. Neither is a one time release.

How do these fit among Aberlour's other aged expressions?

The 21 and 25 Years Old are now the distillery's oldest continuously available core range bottlings. Aberlour also releases older vintage editions like the 50 Years Old, but those are rare, limited releases. The new permanent expressions make advanced age more consistently accessible.

What does double maturation contribute to these whiskys?

Aberlour matures its spirit in both American oak and sherry casks during aging, allowing the spirit to develop complexity from two distinct wood sources and their interaction. This approach is central to both the 21 and 25 Years Old's flavor profiles.