Aberfeldy 12 Year Old

Aberfeldy, owned by Dewar's & Sons, can be found as a single malt for some time now, but produces primarily to provide enough Highland style malt for their famous White Label blended Scotch. In 2014, however, the whole range was updated – black label, golden letters – and some new age statements were added. The entry level malt is still this 12 Year Old.

The nose reveals a malty heart that reminds me mostly of freshly baked cookies. Sultanas, baked Granny Smith apples and some roasted, sugared notes make it fairly sweet. Loads of toffee and a splash of maple syrup. Hint of cuberdons and dry sherry.

It is surprisingly creamy on the palate, but again very malty and sweet. Honey, grain cookies, raisins, caramelized almonds and baked apples. That, in my book, makes for a good continuation of the nose, albeit a bit unexciting.

The finish is quite long with a touch of woodsmoke and some candied orange peel.

Fine whisky to convince a beginning whisky lover, but mostly because of the finish. My bottle came with a small vial of Uisge Source Water of Scotland from the Pitilie Burn, but my Aberfeldy did not need any water.

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