Aberfeldy 12 Years Old
Though the Aberfeldy Distillery has been producing whisky since 1898, the 21 Year bottling has only been around since 2005. Most of what is distilled here is used to produce Dewar's Blended Whiskies. In fact, other than the 12 year old, the 21 year is the only other distillery bottling on offer. The red squirrel on the label is to highlight the rare squirrels that inhabit the area surrounding Aberfeldy.
Nose: Honey, fruity. Thick malt, enlivened by a fresh, zesty quality.
Taste: Smooth, vanilla, undulating, refined smoke.
Finish: Peters out gently, perhaps some ripe white peach notes and a good wave of honey.
Dewar’s 12 Years Old
The classic 12 year old blend from Dewars, this stuff is the successor to Dewar's "Double Aged" 12 Year Old - so named in reference to the additional six month marriage the whisky enjoys in oak after the initial maturation and blending. The practice is maintained despite the name change and the result is loads of flavour.
Nose: Honey, peach, apple and wood. Cut hay.
Taste: Medium, vanilla fudge, smoke, toffee, heather honey, oak.
Finish: Good length, cut herbs, honeyed sweetness.
Dewar’s 18 Years Old
It is sweet and rich from the very beginning. The almond is thick and sugary, with a nutty tone that adds a bit of depth. This ties in well with the oak notes of the barrel, which are chewy and soft. There are delicate floral and herby notes coming through as well.
Nose: Dry, grassy, hay; faintly scented with cloves and smouldering gently in the sun.
Palate: A freshly opened pack of oatcakes ever so lightly smoked over a peat fire
Finish: Biscuits and fresh cut grass.
Dewar’s 25 Years Old
This malt has been matured in oak casks before being finished in Royal Brackla casks. The nose opens with lots of honey and slightly floral notes of apple blossom. There is an orchard themed flavour overall, with crisp apples and pears, and a lovely oaky finish.
Nose: Honey, dried peels, toasted oak and stewed plum. A soft hint of strawberry jam and old oak furniture too.
Palate: Hobnob biscuits, more red berry sweetness, sandalwood, toffee and treacle.
Finish: A slow build of Christmas spices on the finish, paired with orchard fruit and mint leaf.