Aberfeldy 12 YO

Aberfeldy 12 YO, 40 %

Today I will review the Aberfeldy 12 YO, from the Highland distillery by the same name. I find it a bit exciting that Bacardi (the owners) finally in 2014 decided to launch a broad range of whiskies from their five distilleries  (Aberfeldy, Aultmore, Craigellachie, The Devron, and Royal Brackla). These are distilleries that we have rarely seen or had a chance to taste whisky from before. The releases we have seen have mainly been from independent bottlers, as the production has gone to blends (for Aberfeldy mostly Dewar’s White).

Aberfeldy play heavily on their long traditions (established back in 1898), and the fact that their water source, the Pitilie Burn, contains traces of gold. At the re-launch in 2014 they created a nice retro look.

You can buy the Aberfeldy 12 YO in Norway at NOK 400 (3660601), in Sweden at SEK 369 (43601), and in the UK at just over GBP 30.

Nose (22/25): A light and fruity whisky this. Green apples, orange peel, lemon mousse, honey, vanilla, almonds, breakfast cereal and a light malty touch. It does develop some in the glass, and I pick up soft oaky notes - wooden pencils and dusty wooden attic.With water it turns a bit more citrusy, and it takes on a more fruity and fresh character in general.

Taste (21/25): Rich, soft and almost buttery mouthfeel. Nicely spiced, with white pepper being most pronounced. Malt candy, dark caramel, ripe apples and hints of oranges. A touch of bitterness works well as an added spice.

Finish (21/25): Medium long finish. A fine oily character all the way. Caramel that is slightly burnt. Toast with honey. Dry-ish with more oaky notes towards the end.

Balance (21/25): A well-balanced and light whisky. Personally I would have loved to see this bottled at 46 % and not chill-filtered, as they have done with some of the other releases in the Last Great Malts series, but I guess I cannot always have it my way.

Score (85/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas