Aberfeldy loves its finishes, and recently the distillery has exploded with completely different woods and completely different ages of the underlying spirit. These three whiskies all arrived in late 2024, they usually couldn’t be extra completely different from each other — or from what the operation has launched up to now. Let’s dive in.
Aberfeldy 15 Years Outdated Completed in Semillon Wine Casks (2024) – A 15 12 months outdated single malt completed in French semillon “Cadillac” white wine casks.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, identified for its candy wine manufacturing, however particulars are scarce. This can be a pleasant whisky and one in every 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 examine, no less than for now. The palate is the place this whisky actually shines, as all the above come collectively in lovely style, actually showcasing the citrus notes of lemon and orange, filtered via golden syrup, mild sandalwood, and a layer of baking spices. Cohesive however complicated, it’s vibrant 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 identical 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Aberfeldy 21 Years Outdated Completed in Argentinian Malbec Casks (2024) – Distilled in 2001, aged in sherry and bourbon refill barrels, and completed in French oak Viña Unica malbec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 completely different whisky than the Semillon expression, a brooding, vampiric whisky that wears its savory components proudly. Crimson 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, but it surely works with the opposite aromatics, supplied 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, it is best to come ready for all that comes earlier than. 92 proof. B+ / $280 (700ml) [BUY IT NOW FROM RESERVEBAR]
Aberfeldy 26 Years Outdated Completed in Languedoc Crimson Wine Casks (2024) – No added knowledge supplied. This one’s a pleasant shock. Crimson wine cask-finished whiskies are sometimes darkish and tannic and brooding (see above), however this launch flips the script utterly. Iconic Aberfeldy honey notes dominate the nostril, tempered by touches of plump raisins, baking spice, and just a little racy purple pepper. Orange peel notes give the nostril a pointy, citrusy edge which pairs effectively with what comes earlier than. On the palate, the purple fruit dominates, melding raisin, cherry, and plum notes with a wholesome spray of baking spices. Once more the purple pepper lingers, although it’s by no means unwelcome, tempering the whisky’s gentle 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]