Aberfeldy French Red Wine Casks
- Price Range
- $200-$300
- Batch
- 2921
- Age
- 18 years
- Country
- Scotland
- ABV
- 43%
- Volume
- 700ml
- Appearance
- Red candied hue
- Nose
- Sweet vanilla and butterscotch dominate, with red berry notes of raspberry and strawberry. Candied orange peel, honey drizzle, and a gentle oak backdrop. The wine cask influence is present but somewhat one-dimensional.
- Palate
- Initial sweetness with vanilla fudge, honey, and red wine fruits - think berry compote and dried cherries. Woody caramel and light spice notes emerge mid-palate with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. The texture is pleasant but lacks complexity, feeling a bit thin for an 18-year-old.
- Finish
- Medium length with sweet candied fruit, lingering vanilla, and a touch of tannic oak. The finish is pleasant but fades fairly quickly without leaving much to contemplate.
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Flavour Profile
Review
This Aberfeldy 18 with French red wine cask finishing is pleasant enough, but we found it didn't quite live up to the expectations we'd have for an 18-year-old single malt at this price point. The wine cask influence brings forward lots of sweet berry notes and vanilla, which is nice, but it feels somewhat one-note and lacks the depth and complexity we were hoping for. The palate is enjoyable but a bit thin, and the finish doesn't linger long enough to leave a lasting impression. We wonder was a cask strength version of this might have delivered. It's perfectly fine for casual sipping with cheese and friends - but at $250, we'd expect more character and sophistication.
- Two Whiskey Guys, 2023
Food Pairing
This whiskey pairs beautifully with:
Occasion
Cheese board with friends, or as a gift or for a more formal occasion - given the 18 year age statement.
Right for you?
You enjoy fruit-forward, sweet whiskies with wine cask finishes and don't mind paying premium prices for easy-drinking expressions.