Aberfeldy Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky Aged 16 Years
40% ABV
$100
Website
What the Distillery Says
They really don’t say anything much. Aberfeldy was rolled out as a single malt several years ago as part of the “Last Great Malts” series. However, that seems to have not taken off quite as well as Bacardi hoped and the website for the series redirects back to Dewars.
What Gary Says
Nose: Thick sherry, sour oak, cloves and honey with a hint of smoke.
Palate: Musty sherry sweetness, thin and subtle with a slight spice kick.
Finish: Moderately long and drying with a sharp note at the end.
Comments: I really enjoyed the nose but the palate was like a different whisky. I’m not familiar with Aberfeldy, so not sure how this compares to the rest of their line-up. The palate left me wanting what the nose telegraphed. Perhaps an offering at a higher proof would really shine.
Rating: Average
What Richard Says
Nose: Treacle tarts, dried straw, and a pinch of sherry.
Palate: Baked apples with a bit of lemon zest and honey. A toddy anyone?
Finish: Oak forward with lingering cracked pepper around the edges.
Comments: This was referenced in the press release as a sherried expression of Aberfeldy but the sherry influence is mild and understated. Aberfeldy is a great keystone malt for the Dewars blends but it fails to stand on it’s own as a single malt. Not bad at all, just not exceptional. There is nothing here that screams for your attention. It could be one of a dozen different malts in the age and price ranges of this one. But then again, isn’t that was makes this such a great blending malt?
Rating: Average
We would like to thank the Bacardi for sending us a sample to review.