john dewar and sons - BourbonSphere

Review | Aberfeldy 21 years old Malbec Cask Finish

This single malt whisky is the latest addition to the Wine Cask Collection from the Highland distillery of Aberfeldy. The Wine Cask Collection whiskies are created by Stephanie Macleod, the Malt Master for Aberfeldy. This latest edition - the Aberfeldy 21 years old Malbec Cask Finish - has seen the brand partner with Finca Ambrosia, an organic winery located in the Uco Valley in Mendoza, Argentina.

The batch of single malt used was distilled in November 2001 and matured for over two decades in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels and ex-sherry hogsheads. These casks were then combined and filled to French oak ex-Malbec wine casks that had previously held Finca Ambrosia’s Viña Unica expression.

The village of Aberfeldy is in the southern Highlands and the distillery is owned by John Dewar & Sons, a subsidiary of the Bacardi group. It is engrained in the history of the Dewar's blended Scotch brand - it was founded and built by John and Tommy Dewar in 1896 to make single malt for their popular White Label. This remains one of the world's best selling blends with a particular stronghold in America. The distillery has a current annual production capacity of 3.5 million and is home to the recently revamped Dewar's World of Whisky visitor experience.

The Aberfeldy 21 years old Malbec Cask Finish is bottled at 46% ABV and is both non-chill filtered and of natural colour. It is available from the distillery shop in the Highlands and in selected work markets. These include Australia, France, Germany, Singapore, Taiwan, the UK and USA. A bottle will cost £230/ US$280.

Our Tasting Notes

The colour is deep gold with a reddish amber tint and the nose is rich, sweet and aromatic. Caramel, fresh apricot and candied orange rise first and are quickly joined by further aromas of milk chocolate, dried cranberry and something floral. Underlying hints of espresso coffee, vanilla fudge and freeze dried raspberries are also evident.

On the palate this whisky feels instantly rich and malty. The bittersweet cereals come to the fore and are joined by sweet caramel, juicy apricot and dark dried fruits - think of raisin and sultana especially. The red fruit from the nose also begin to develop, as does an evolving note of orange oil. A hint of juicy tropical fruit sits in the background alongside some cocoa powder, milk chocolate and a suggestion of molasses.

The second half of the palate goes in a different direction. Woody notes and spices evolve and threaten to take control. A spiced peach and apricot compote-like characteristic is complimented by some white pepper, clove and cinnamon bark. Gingerbread and a scratch of nutmeg are also evident. Then the oak really comes through to create a woody dryness.

The finish carries on this theme with the sweeter and fruitier elements fading fast. This leaves the oak and spices to give a pleasant warmth and dryness - the gingerbread and cinnamon bark really come through now, as does some heavy tannins from the ex-red wine casks that leave your tastebuds parched.

What's The Verdict?

This is a delicious single malt from Aberfeldy and one that shows what ex-red wine casks can offer. The significant age of the whisky is complimented by the dried fruitiness, tannins and spices from its time in the former Malbec barrels. It does threaten to get too dry and tannic, but somehow just about holds its balance. The price is a little punchy and has crept up throughout the series (the previous bottling was half the price for an 18 years old), but well worth a try if you get the opportunity.

Review / Aberfeldy 18 Years Old Cabernet Sauvignon Wine Cask Finish

This whisky is the latest bottling in the Red Wine Cask Collection from the Highland distillery of Aberfeldy. The Aberfeldy 18 years old has been finished in ex-Cabernet Sauvignon casks from the Napa Valley in California. The series, which launched in 2019, showcases some of the finest wine barrels from wineries around the world. This new release has been created by Stephanie Macleod, the Malt Master at Aberfeldy. The Aberfeldy 18 years old limited edition is bottled at 43% ABV and is available in selected global markets including France, Germany, the UK and USA. A bottle will cost £115/ $US150.

Aberfeldy is located in the village of Aberfeldy in the southern Highlands. It is owned by John Dewar & Sons, a subsidiary of the Bacardi group. The distillery is engrained in the history of the Dewar's blended Scotch brand - it was founded and built by John and Tommy Dewar in 1896 to make single malt for their popular White Label. Dewar's White Label remains one of the world's best selling blends with a particular stronghold in America. The distillery has a current annual production capacity of 3.5 million and is also home to the recently revamped Dewar's World of Whisky visitor experience.

Our Tasting Notes

The colour is a deep golden amber and the nose is full of sweet and fruity aromas. Golden syrup, red fruit jam and heather honey lead the way and are followed by further aromas of stewed apple and poached pear. There are also hints of caramel, milk chocolate and warming baking spices - think of cinnamon, clove and mace in particular.

On the palate, this whisky is bold and vibrant with some lovely juicy tropical fruit coming first. These are reminiscent of over ripe pineapple and apricot. Then comes a definitive sweetness, which is led by the golden syrup and floral heather honey from the nose. Underneath sits the milk chocolate note, caramel and jammy red fruits - these are reminiscent of berry compote and strawberry jam.

The soft green fruits come through well also. Notes of cooked apple with a pinch of cinnamon and poached pear with butterscotch sauce and clove add a lovely depth and softness to the whisky. These are accentuated by warming spices that bind everything together. More cinnamon and clove come through, as does some mace, all-spice and hints of pink peppercorn and oak.

The finish becomes increasingly dry and warming. The juiciness, fruitiness and sweetness slowly fade to leave the wine cask oak influence to dominate. The tannins from the red wine really come through now and grip the tastebuds. Late notes of cocoa powder and plum tart also evolve.

What's The Verdict?

This is another fine addition to Aberfeldy's Red Wine Cask Collection. The increased age has elevated it above some of the previous releases that we have sampled. The balance between sweetness, fruitiness and spice is very good and makes for an enjoyable and decadent feeling whisky. The only slight negative is that it could maybe have been put at 46% ABV to give even more body and grip, but we are splitting hairs. Well worth a try if you get the opportunity.

Review / Aberfeldy Red Wine Cask Collection – 15 years old & 18 years old

These whiskies are the latest new expressions to the Red Wine Cask Collection from the Perthshire distillery of Aberfeldy. The Aberfeldy 15 years old and 18 years old have been crafted by Stephanie Macleod, the Malt Master at Aberfeldy, and are the first in the series to feature wine casks from outside of France. The Red Wine Cask Collection was launched in 2019 and has seen annual releases since.

The Aberfeldy 15 years old has been finished in ex-Cabernet Sauvignon wine barriques sourced from California's Napa Valley. The 18 years old has been finished in ex-Tuscan red wine barrels from Bolgheri in Italy. Both expressions are bottled at 43% ABV and are available in limited numbers, although the exact quantity of each has not been revealed.

Aberfeldy is located in the village of Aberfeldy in the southern Highlands. It is owned by John Dewar & Sons, a subsidiary of the Bacardi group. The distillery is engrained in the history of the Dewar's blended Scotch brand - it was founded and built by John and Tommy Dewar in 1896 to make single malt for their popular White Label. The Dewar's White Label remains one of the world's best selling brands with a particular stronghold in America. The distillery has a current annual production capacity of 3.5 million and is also home to the recently revamped Dewar's World of Whisky visitor experience.

The Aberfeldy 15 years old will be available in selected markets including France, Germany, the UK and USA. A bottle will cost £55/ €59/ $79.99 US. The Aberfeldy 18 years old will be available in China, France, Germany, India, Taiwan, the UK and USA. It will cost £95/ €99/ $120 US.

Our tasting notes

Aberfeldy 15 years old

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Finish

The colour is deep gold and the nose is fruity and fragrant. Aromas of raspberry jam and orange zest rise first and are followed by milk chocolate, caramel and heather honey. Underneath is a hint of malty biscuits and red apple also.

On the palate this whisky is bold and sweet. Notes of hard toffee and caramel come through initially and are quickly joined by the heather honey and milk chocolate-like characteristics from the nose. This is all underpinned by a distinct cereal maltiness. Then comes to delicious wave of fruitiness. There is also a confected floral edge to this with something resembling parma violet sweets coming through. Red fruit dominates with stewed plum and raspberry compote to the fore. The richness is further aided by a late hint of coffee, cinnamon and red wine tannins.

Aberfeldy 18 years old

Tuscan Bolgheri Finish

The colour is deep gold with a peachy rose tint. The nose is expressive and bold with plenty of citrus and stone fruits evident - think of orange and lime zest, plus black cherries in particular. There is also a distinct savoury and umami undertone that wraps around everything.

On the palate this whisky is initially a little closed but comes to life with time. It is an interest mix between sweet and savoury. Notes of golden syrup, honey and marzipan drive the sweetness. The savoury/umami quality comes through in the form of tannic oak spices, bitter cherry and hints of earthy mushroom and green pepper. It is a strange marriage but somehow works. With more time the whisky moves away from the sweetness and becomes more savoury, dry and woody. A late hint of sweet almond almost brings it back but not quite.

What's the verdict?

The previous expressions in this Red Wine Cask Collection from Aberfeldy have all been good and it is good to see the series spreading its wings beyond France. We look forward to seeing where else will be explored around the world. For these two releases Stephanie Macleod has gone in two differing directions - one old world and one new world.

For us the 15 years old and its use of ex-Cabernet Sauvignon barrels from the Napa Valley works better. It is rich, sweet and deliciously in balance. The 18 years old with its Tuscan Bolgheri influence is much more grown up as a whisky with the balance tipping towards the wood and savoury notes. If you get the opportunity, then try them.

Review / Craigellachie 13 years old Armagnac Cask Finish

The Speyside distillery of Craigellachie has revealed a new range of single malts and the first whisky in that range. This Craigellachie 13 years old Armagnac Cask Finish bottling kicks off the Craigellachie Cask Collection. The series is designed to show off the distillery's heavy style of single malt, which is created through the use of traditional worm tub condensers. The concept will see whisky finished in barrels from other spirit producing regions that use similar traditional methods. Initial maturation was in re-fill and re-charred American oak ex-bourbon barrels. The whisky was then transferred to French oak Bas-Armagnac brandy casks sourced from a distillery in the Gascony region of France.

Craigellachie was founded in 1891 by Alexander Edward and Peter Mackie, and was designed by renowned Victorian distillery architect Charles Doig. It is located in the Speyside village of Craigellachie, which translates as 'rocky hill' from Gaelic. The distillery sits on that rocky hill and overlooks the village. The distillery is large and has an annual production capacity of around five million litres. Most of the whisky produced is used in the Dewar's range of blends, although occasional releases do turn up through independent bottlers.

The Craigellachie 13 years old Armagnac Cask Finish is bottled at 46% ABV and will be available France, Germany and the UK, and released later in 2022 to Taiwan and the USA. A bottle will cost £53/ €50/ $65 US.

Our tasting notes

The colour is bright gold with an orangey tint. The nose is expressive, fruity and sweet with initial aromas of vanilla, crisp green pear and white grapes. Underneath are further aromas of juicy dried fruits (especially sultana and apricot), white chocolate and honey. Something floral lingers in the background along with some woody spice.

On the palate this whisky has a rich mouthfeel and kicks off with plenty of juicy fruits and wood spice - imagine a combination of dried apricot and pear, sultanas and sweet vanilla cream with cinnamon, ginger powder and toasted oak. The mix between the sweetness and drying woodiness is intriguing.

Something floral and confected then comes through. This is reminiscent of citrus blossom and candied limes. An evolving cereal-like biscuity note begins to show itself and adds further depth and complexity. The juicy fruits and sweetnessstart to fade a little and the whisky becomes drier and warmer as it progresses towards the finish.

The finish is long and is all about the wood and baking spices. Both add a another dimension to the whisky and a growing warmth. This is refreshing and leaves you wanting another sip. The oak has a toasted feel that heightens the woodiness and the baking spices include pinches of cinnamon, all-spice and ginger.

What's the verdict?

Craigellachie have set the bar high for their new Cask Collection series with this first release. It is delicious and a bit of a stunner. The distillery's robust character compliments the notes from the American oak and ex-Armagnac barrels. The result is a multi layered whisky that takes you through a true tasting experience - sweet, fruity, biscuity, spicy and woody. The combination of elements is great and it seems very well priced also. We cannot wait to see what else appears in the series now.

Review / Aberfeldy 18 years old Côte Rôtie Finish

This new whisky is the third bottling in the French Red Wine Cask Collection from the Highland distillery of Aberfeldy. The series kicked off in 2019 with the 15 years old Pomerol Finish and was followed in 2020 by the 18 years old Pauillac Finish. This third release has been finished in Côte Rôtie wine barrels sourced by Stephanie Macleod, the Malt Master for Aberfeldy, from the famous Rhône Valley in France. The Côte Rôtie appelation is located in the northern Rhône and covers around 500 hectares. There are 60 vineyards with most growing the Syrah and Viognier grape varieties. The wines are known for their elegance and finesse with fruity and floral characteristics.

Aberfeldy is located in the village of Aberfeldy in the southern Highlands. It is owned by John Dewar & Sons, a subsidiary of the larger global Bacardi group. The distillery is engrained in the history of the Dewar's blended Scotch brand - it was founded and built by John and Tommy Dewar in 1896 to make single malt for their popular White Label. The Dewar's White Label remains one of the world's best known brands with a particular stronghold in America. The distillery has a current annual production capacity of 3.5 million and is also home to the Dewar's World of Whisky visitor experience.

"The Côte Rôtie style of wine has got wonderful fruity and floral notes so it is just a match made in heaven for Aberfeldy. These wine casks do not come around very often so we snapped them up."
Stephanie Macleod.

The Aberfeldy 18 years Côte Rôtie Finish is bottled at 43% ABV and will be available in selected markets including China, France, Germany, Taiwan and the USA. It is also available from the distillery's online shop. A bottle will cost £95/ €99/ $120 US.

Our tasting notes

The colour is a deep coppery gold and the nose is rich and sweet with a distinct fruity edge. Aromas of caramel and golden syrup mingle with juicy dried fruits (think of raisin and sultana especially), baked apple and dried blood orange. Later aromas of milk chocolate, orchard blossom and malted biscuits also come through.

On the palate this whisky has a mouthcoating feel and is deliciously sweet and fruity to begin with, before turning more woody and savoury. Again there is caramel and golden syrup notes early on and these are joined by heather honey, toffee and vanilla custard. The fruitiness is again driven by juicy dried fruits with the raisin, sultana and dried orange again prominent. Further dried fruit is present in the form of cranberry and apricot. Baked apple with butterscotch and cinnamon sauce is evident and adds to the richness. Woody spices and warming baking spices begin to evolve and take the palate in a different direction. Oak tannins, cedarwood and more cinnamon start this, and develop towards leather, cigar box and bitter chocolate. The whisky then becomes drier and woodier with time.

The finish continues this theme with the tannins from the wine barrels now in full control. The savoury spices and woody notes take grip and linger. Malted cereal and cocoa powder are also detected here.

What's the verdict?

This Aberfeldy is a delicious whisky but one that is definitely a game of two halves. This is especially true on the palate. The first half is all about the sweet characteristics and fruity elements, while the second half brings the savoury and woody notes to the fore. It is an interesting journey that the whisky takes you on but you cannot help but wish that the sweetness held on just that bit longer.