Aberfeldy loves its finishes, and recently the distillery has exploded with totally different woods and totally different ages of the underlying spirit. These three whiskies all arrived in late 2024, and so they couldn’t be extra totally different from each other — or from what the operation has launched prior to now. Let’s dive in.
Aberfeldy 15 Years Previous Completed in Semillon Wine Casks (2024) – A 15 12 months outdated single malt completed in French semillon “Cadillac” white wine casks. I presume Cadillac refers back to the area of France close to Bordeaux, recognized for its candy wine manufacturing, however particulars are scarce. It is a pleasant whisky and certainly one of Aberfeldy’s finest ever. The nostril is gorgeous and candy, although there’s a barely savory high quality that evokes notes of dried flowers, toasted oak, and a delicate maritime edge. Lemon curd and tangerine are probably the most outstanding fruit components, however these are saved in verify, not less than for now. The palate is the place this whisky actually shines, as the entire above come collectively in lovely style, actually showcasing the citrus notes of lemon and orange, filtered by golden syrup, mild sandalwood, and a layer of baking spices. Cohesive however advanced, it’s vivid and immersive, with a noteworthy layer of honey on the end. Sauternes is made (partially) from semillon grapes, and I’ve to imagine this whisky was completed in an analogous sort wine barrel. No complaints from me. This overview was delayed as a result of I broke my first pattern bottle; very glad I caught it out ready for a substitute. 86 proof. A / $70
Aberfeldy 21 Years Previous Completed in Argentinian Malbec Casks (2024) – Distilled in 2001, aged in sherry and bourbon refill barrels, and completed in French oak Viña Unica malbec casks from Finca Ambrosia for 8 months. This couldn’t be a extra totally different whisky than the Semillon expression, a brooding, vampiric whisky that wears its savory components proudly. Pink wine finishes will do this. Malbec, particularly so. The heavy, mushroomy nostril evokes notes of soy sauce and sesame oil, to not point out lacings of black pepper and dried inexperienced herbs. There’s a lightweight vegetal high quality right here, however it works with the opposite aromatics, offered you’re ready for the assault. The palate is even extra intense — with massive umami notes led by tanned leather-based and a few anise. There’s a respite within the type of darkish chocolate and a little bit of grated orange peel, however that is elusive towards a reprise of soy and balsamic-glazed mushrooms. A drop of honey emerges on the end, however nonetheless, you need to come ready for all that comes earlier than. 92 proof. B+ / $280 (700ml) [BUY IT NOW FROM RESERVEBAR]
Aberfeldy 26 Years Previous Completed in Languedoc Pink Wine Casks (2024) – No added knowledge offered. This one’s a pleasant shock. Pink wine cask-finished whiskies are sometimes darkish and tannic and brooding (see above), however this launch flips the script fully. Iconic Aberfeldy honey notes dominate the nostril, tempered by touches of plump raisins, baking spice, and a bit of racy crimson pepper. Orange peel notes give the nostril a pointy, citrusy edge which pairs nicely with what comes earlier than. On the palate, the crimson fruit dominates, melding raisin, cherry, and plum notes with a wholesome spray of baking spices. Once more the crimson pepper lingers, although it’s by no means unwelcome, tempering the whisky’s delicate tannins with some spicy warmth. The end is harking back to the ever-trendy scorching honey, tamed with lingering hints of almond and milk chocolate. Nice stuff. 104.4 proof. A / $765 (700ml) [BUY IT NOW FROM RESERVEBAR]
Aberfeldy 21 Years Previous Completed in Argentinian Malbec Casks (2024)
$280
