Origin: Highlands (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 52.2%ABV
Ageing cask: Ex-Bourbon
Chillfiltered: No
Added colouring: No
Owner: J & A Mitchell & Co Ltd.
Average price: € 120.00
Official website: www.cadenhead.scot
It’s rare to find any independent offerings from Aberfeldy, a distillery owned by the Bacardi group that has its own, albeit limited, core range and does not stand out among the preferences of more discerning drinkers.
For this reason, we are assisted by Cadenhead’s, the oldest independent bottler in Scotland, with a limited edition produced for the 2018 Malts Festival. The distillation dates back to 1996, while the bottling occurred 22 years later, at an alcohol content of 52.2%abv.
Tasting Notes
The pale yellow color suggests that the whisky may come from refill casks.
On the nose, the most surprising aspect is a spicy component of absolute prominence, with rosemary, thyme, and dill, although the lion’s share goes to the notes of very ripe white-fleshed fruit (apple, pear, peach). Behind this scene, there are scents closer to pastry, such as shortcrust pastry and custard, which are less intense compared to the fruit, with an impression of vanilla that emerges quite late in the tasting.
The body of the whisky is oily, and on the palate, the consistency with the nose is virtually perfect, with an accentuation of the fruity dimension expressed previously and a pleasant addition of nuts. The sweetness is not overwhelming and is balanced by a slight spiciness and the presence of an unprecedented citrus note (zest of orange) that does not disturb the overall balance.
In the final of medium persistence, the fruity and creamy dimensions fade more rapidly, while the pepper continues to dry the tongue.
Review: It may not be enough to lift the overall opinion of enthusiasts about Aberfeldy distillate, but it is a satisfying dram, with a whisky more substantial than I would have expected. No particular complexity, but a remarkable pleasantness. That is not a little.
Vote: 86/100