ESTABLISHED: 1898
REGION: Highland, Scotland
WEBSITE: www.https://www.aberfeldy.com/
As a whisky enthusiast, my recent trip to Aberfeldy Distillery did not disappoint. Nestled in the picturesque heart of Scotland, Aberfeldy is renowned for its smooth, rich single malts, often referred to as the "Golden Dram." Founded in 1898 by John Dewar & Sons, this distillery has a storied history and a reputation for crafting exceptional whisky.
The Connoisseur Experience Tour
My visit began with the Connoisseur Experience tour, and it was simply fantastic. Our guide, Roy, was both knowledgeable and hilariously entertaining, making the tour engaging and informative. His passion for whisky was evident, and he shared fascinating insights about the distillery's history and production processes. Roy’s jokes were as smooth as the drams we tasted.
One of the tour's highlights was tasting a cask strength whisky straight from the barrel. This unique opportunity allowed us to experience the raw, unfiltered spirit in its purest form. The whisky was robust and full of character, a true testament to Aberfeldy's craftsmanship. And let's be honest, there’s something magical about sipping whisky straight from the barrel—it’s like meeting the whisky in its natural habitat!
The Distillery and Museum
The Aberfeldy facility itself is a blend of traditional charm and modern innovation. The interiors combine rustic elements with contemporary design, creating a welcoming and aesthetically pleasing environment. The on-site whisky museum is impressive, offering a deep dive into the history of Aberfeldy and the broader world of whisky. Exhibits showcase historical artifacts, detailed explanations of the whisky-making process, and the evolution of the distillery over the years.
Aberfeldy's water source, the Pitilie Burn, is often referred to as the "Golden Water" due to the small deposits of alluvial gold found in the stream. This mineral-rich water contributes to the whisky's unique character. Additionally, the distillery's use of long fermentation times results in a honeyed richness that is characteristic of Aberfeldy single malts.
Standout Drams
As part of the Experience I got to taste 5 delicious drams from the distillery, and the two whiskies that stood out were: the Aberfeldy 21-Year-Old and the Craigellachie 17-Year-Old.
These are my tasting notes.
Aberfeldy 21-Year-Old:
Nose: The aroma was an enticing blend of vanilla, ripe green and yellow fruits, melon, with a hint of citrus, heather, and honey.
Palate: It was smooth yet quite hot at the same time, delivering sweet notes of ripe apricots, dark cocoa, and nutty flavours, with a light hint of smoke.
Finish: Medium in length, it left a toasty oak, nutty, and light fruit citrus aftertaste that lingered pleasantly.
Craigellachie 17-Year-Old:
Nose: This whisky offered a captivating mix of nutmeg, honey, gingerbread, cereals, and burnt pineapple.
Taste: Sweet and honeyed, with burnt caramel, light morning smoke, ripe plums, and pineapples.
Finish: Long and satisfying, with lingering fruit sweetness and light smoke.
If you ever find yourself in Perth and want to discover more about Scotland whisky distillery, I would recommend visiting Aberfeldy. The combination of rich history, excellent whisky, and a fantastic tour guide like Roy makes for an unforgettable experience! Cheers to more adventures, more laughs, and of course, more whisky! Slàinte!
T.T
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