Review 196: Aberfeldy 12

The new year is almost upon us! It is my resolution to make 2015 a more active year for my blog than 2014 was. As resolutions go, that's not a bad one at all. Let's jump the gun slightly and Aberfeldy 12 year old. Aberfeldy (along with some other malts in Dewars' stable) is enjoying updated packaging, which I will say is an improvement on the old presentation. Unfortunately, I never tried the old version, so I can't comment as to whether or not the liquid itself has been changed in any way. I guess the new packaging worked!

Aberfeldy 12

Color: Amber -1 (Though the telltale e150 orange is noticeable.)

ABV: 40% (Not even 43%? So sad.)

Aroma Neat:
Salty Peat, Hot Barley Porridge, Lemon Zest (slightly), Salted Caramel (do I mean toffee?)/Honey, White Peaches, Light Char, Vanilla.

Peat and a youngish graininess jump out at the fore. Salted sweets and a light fruitiness (mostly citrus) are buried deeper. In some ways, this reminds me of a less mature Laddie 10. Not bad!   

Aroma Water:
Honeyed Oranges, Driftwood Fire, Cereal Grains, Toasting Oak Chips, Lemon Juice on White Peaches/Pears, Creamy Vanilla.

The smoky side of the peat emerges now, but sweet fruit notes have taken the lead. Everything is very subdued though. At 40% and a bit young for it's age <statement>, this Aberfeldy doesn't seem to be a strong swimmer. This is a real shame, because the composition of the nose actually seems to improve with a few drops of the wet stuff, but it's just ends up too dang weak!

Taste Neat:
Tangy Peat, Lemon Pepper, Salted Lemons, Porridge, Sawdust, Woody Vanilla, Mashed Bananas, White Peaches, Orange Creamsicle.

Peat with salt and pepper on a relatively fresh and grainy spirit back. Nothing to write home about, but inoffensive despite the perceived immaturity. Thin in body.

Taste Water:
Tangy Peat, Sea Salt, Barrel Char/Ash (that's been sitting around a while), Musty Lemon.

Becomes too thin. More or less one dimensional.

Finish:
Char/Ash, Salt, Woodsmoke, Oak Tannins (mild).

Shortish finish, dominated mostly be ashy bitterness.

Conclusion:
Decent neat, but avoid adding water.


An inexpensive peaty dram that's ok, but probably not something I will purchase again.

Rating: 73/100

This whisky boasts a 12 year old age statement, but it's a young 12 in my estimation. Basically, I think pretty tired casks were used because this drinks more like an 8 year old whisky from mostly first or second fill barrels. So, there isn't a lot of vanilla or sweetness here. The spirit itself isn't particularly remarkable either. It's certainly not bad, but is mostly just grainy without much fruitiness. I'm guessing a quick fermentation time with aggressive yeast is the reason for this, which makes sense, as Aberfeldy is a workhorse for the Dewar's line. Luckily, the salty peat character gives this whisky a surprisingly coastal/Islay (well, Bruichladdich) feel which makes it a worthwhile dram. In the ~35 USD category, you can find better whiskies (Tomatin 12, Glenfiddich 12, Old Pulteney 12), but the peat sets it a bit apart in that price range.

Thrilled to be back and reviewing again! I hope you'll all bear with me as I bring my nose and palate back into their old form :-)

Josh