Aberlour 12 Year (Classic Cask)

I quite like Aberlour's core flavors (orchards and orchards of rich fruit), and I absolutely love their monster sherry bomb Abunadh. But I've never had an independent bottling of their spirit until now (thanks to Rob Martin for the bottle). This comes from bottler The Classic Cask, and is aged 12 years in an "oak hogshead." Unsure if this implies ex-bourbon or ex-sherry. Bottled at 43%. 

Nose: Surprisingly dry, almost like a fino sherry. I get white grapes, yeast, kosher salt, some malted barley, and herbs: fresh grass? Coriander? Maybe a touch of sulfur.

Mouthfeel: Thin but silky. 

Palate: Follows the nose but with the addition of some smoke (?!). Hints of fruit (apple, pear, lemon, white grape), but only vaguest hints. Stronger hints of sulfur. A subtle grassy flavor. Dry, very very dry - full of oak tannins, yeast. 

Finish: An almost impossibly dry finish. It evaporates right on your tongue, leaving wisps of smoke and literally nothing else. It simply ... vanishes. Curious. 

Verdict: This is a real anomaly as far as Aberlour is concerned. I think I understand how they might have released this barrel into the independent market - it's very, very far from their normal flavor profile. Dry as a bone, an old bone, full of white wine notes and a nice herbal grassy quality. Interesting to a dedicated Scotch drinker, but perhaps not to your average whisky sipper.