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.
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.
Flavor Camp Taste Profile
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
- Origin: Victoria, BC, Canada
- Composition: 100% Malted Barley (15 PPM)
- ABV: 46%
- # of Distillations: 2
- Price: $110-ish CAD (2024)
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.
- Crushable / Daily Drinker
- Cocktail Worthy
- Special Occasion Sipper
- Weird & Wonderful
- Skip It
Food Pairing Recommendations: Milk Chocolate
Cocktail Recommendations: Penicillin (but use as the base for the cocktail)
