Macaloney An Aba

Macaloney Island Distillery’s An Aba is a testament to the craft and creativity of Canadian whisky-making, rooted in the rugged beauty of Vancouver Island. This unique single malt takes its name from the Scots Gaelic term for “The Abbey,” paying homage to the distillery’s Scottish heritage while embracing its Pacific Northwest identity.

TL;DR – Whether you’re a peated single malt enthusiast or new to the world of whisky, Macaloney’s An Aba invites you to savour the fusion of tradition, innovation, and a deep sense of place.

Review: Flavor Camp

Photo: Reece Sims

Flavor Camps

Overall Rating

Total Score: 40.5/50

Aroma: 7.5/9
Taste: 7.5/9
Finish: 5/5
Distinctiveness: 3.5/5
Overall Drinkability/Balance: 7.5/9
Value for Price: 6.5/8
Appearance: 4/5

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Rich caramel
Aroma: Smoked bananas, sweet oranges, creamy, malty, vanilla biscuits, pepper, mango, new American oak influence, woody smoke, graham crackers dipped in honey, and heathery floral notes.
Taste & Mouthfeel: Roasted/burnt chocolate, soot, bonfire smoke, slightly salty & mouthwatering, cinnamon, smokes (graham crakcers, burnt marshmallows, cocoa), bee propolis.
Finish: Sweet, salty, & smoky.
Distinctiveness: Would probably mistake this for a peated single malt Scotch (which isn't a bad thing!).
Overall Drinkability & Balance: This is a great moderately peated Canadian single malt - perhaps one of the best made in Canada!

Product Details

Distiller: Macaloney Island Distillery
Type: Single Malt (Canadian Whisky)
Age: No age statement
Still Type: Forsyth Copper Pot Stills
Cask Type(s): Ex-Bourbon; Finished for 2 years in PX Casks

Comments / Notes:

Here are three key things to remember about An Aba and the Macaloney Island Distillery:

Scottish Heritage, Island Craft: Founded by Dr. Graeme Macaloney, the distillery combines time-honoured Scottish whisky-making techniques with the unique terroir of Vancouver Island, creating whiskies that are both authentic and distinctively local.

Traditional Methods with a Local Twist: An Aba is crafted using traditional copper pot stills, high-quality barley, and pure island water. Its maturation in a mix of North American and European oak casks adds depth and complexity, with a flavour profile influenced by the island’s coastal environment.

Award-Winning Excellence: Macaloney Island Distillery has quickly gained international recognition, with An Aba standing out for its rich and harmonious blend of creamy vanilla, orchard fruits, and soft spice. It showcases the distillery’s commitment to producing world-class whiskies with a sense of place.