Review #: 572
Description: Aberfeldy 18 Exceptional Cask
Spirit: Scotch
Background: This is a cask strength bottling of single malt from Aberfeldy. I believe it was distilled in 2001 and spent 9 years in ex-bourbon before and additional 9 years in sherry as a “finish.” Clocks in at 53.8% and has to be one of the darkest looking scotches I have seen. Hard to imagine this doesn’t have coloring added, or it was the wettest cask imaginable. It makes the Edradour of the last review look pale.
Distillery – Aberfeldy
Bottler – Aberfeldy
Brand – Aberfeldy
Selection – N/A
ABV – 53.8%
Age – 18 Years
Nose – Very chocolaty, bran flakes, rich coffee, ripe apple, cooked peaches, roasted tree nuts, there’s a bit of a savory or maybe umami note in there too
Taste – Bright fruit with strawberry, cranberry, vanilla cream, rum raisin ice cream, dark cherry, has a nice brightness to it while also being very rich
Finish – Tart cherry, nutty sherry, warm barrel spice, freshly baked cinnamon bun
Score: 8
Would I buy a bottle? Yes
Thoughts: At $200, it’s a bit up there, but this definitely falls into the “won’t be disappointed” category if you bought a whole bottle. Definitely has more depth compared to the Edradour I just tasted. Pops with fruit while having more complex oak structure and richness. Very delicious.