Aberfeldy has grow to be well-known for its sequence of 18 12 months outdated expressions, every completed in a unique sort of crimson wine cask. This 12 months, Aberfeldy is flipping the script, only a bit, providing one other crimson wine cask expression of its single malt that’s a younger 15 years outdated. The wine cask this time round: Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon barrels. (No details about the size of the ending is supplied.)
I haven’t all the time liked crimson wine-finished Scotches — however discovered this to be extra profitable than some, although it’s not with out some flaws. The nostril is wealthy and welcoming, providing sultry notes of barrel char blended with black fruit, currants, and a few raisin notes. Fairly spicy, virtually racy, the fruit cuts by means of the underlying maltiness cleanly, however with a flippantly peppered edge.
The extra aromatic elements of the whisky blow off with some air time, and whereas the palate kicks off with a brilliant blackcurrant word, it quickly retreats to a extra savory place. Mushrooms and toasted sesame oil emerge, alongside an oxidized, virtually sherried wine word — extra Amontillado than oloroso. Chewy in texture, evoking fruit leather-based and a few coconut, the end appears a contact sharp, with a floral high quality to it.
There’s not an enormous departure from Aberfeldy’s different crimson wine-finished whiskies right here, however I believe the youth has given this only a bit extra intrigue to seize onto vs. a few of its 18 12 months outdated expressions. To not point out, it’s half the worth.
86 proof.
B+ / $70 / aberfeldy.com [BUY IT NOW FROM THE WHISKY EXCHANGE] [BUY IT NOW FROM TOTAL WINE] [BUY IT NOW FROM RESERVEBAR]
Aberfeldy 15 Years Previous Completed in Napa Cabernet Sauvignon Casks (2023)
$70
