When it comes to representing the history and traditions of one’s country, what better envoy could there possibly be than food and drink? After all, it manages to convey the tastes, culture and even the immigration patterns of a particular time and place, all while disseminating the inspiring story of some plucky entrepreneur or homespun mom-and-pop enterprise made good.

Can you pronounce Aberlour?

That’s why it’s important to recognize brands that have remained relevant in the present by staying true to the principles of their past – brands that don’t follow the day-to-day trends of the culinary and spirits world, but forge their own path defined by history.

What does ‘Abunadh’ mean?

Take, for example, Aberlour Single Malt Whiskey. Being that he’s buried in a cemetery directly across from the distillery, you can bet that Aberlour founder, James Fleming, is keeping watch over the quality of his single malt Scotch whiskey he created in 1879.

Fleming nurtured his brand by caring for both the product and the people making it. When constructing the distillery, he made the decision to have it entirely powered by a waterwheel, rather than the dominant steam technology. He also built a town hall and hospital for the community of workers, which is turn created a sense of loyalty that still extends today.

What makes Aberlour taste so special?

That sense of loyalty is extremely important for heritage brands, as continuity is imperative in preserving a brand’s spirit. Luckily for Aberlour, continuity is something they have in spades: the men who first laid down the casks for what is today 18 year-old are still the current Whisky Maker and team.

Find out about the master distiller himself.

Fleming’s presence has never left Aberlour, and is certainly felt in the cask strength Aberlour A’bunadh — ‘the original’ in Gaelic — a recreation of a circa-1898 bottle, unearthed when installing new stills in the ’70’s. An imbibable time capsule of sorts, it’s matured in handpicked, Oloroso sherry butts, and crafted without water or the use of modern methodology.

Even the name Aberlour is full of history – it’s Gaelic for ‘the mouth of the chattering burn,’ a reference to the spring where Fleming would build his distillery.

Even the critics agree on the great taste of Aberlour.

As cultures change and globalization shapes the way the world economy works, food will always stand the test of time. Brands like Aberlour, in addition to the many other brands that embody the heritage of their time and place, help us to see that while the world is constantly in flux, good taste never changes.

Interested in trying Aberlour yourself? Find out more here.