Whisky Review/Tasting: Aberfeldy 21 years

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Aberfeldy Distillery, located near the old railway on the south bank of the river Tay, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation & Maturation: The whisky combines fresh spring water from the Pitilie Burn with the skill of generations of craftsmen. It is renowned for its heather honey softness and full body.
Age Statement: 21 years old.
ABV: 40%.
Color & Clarity: Not explicitly described, but the whisky is noted for its heather honey softness, which may suggest a rich, golden hue.
Bottle Design: Recently changed from an orange and black rectangular box with a silky interior to a round, essentially black tube with golden letters.

Balance of Flavors: Described as very balanced, with a combination of sweetness, slight peatiness, and fruitiness creating a full and aromatic profile.
Unique Characteristics: Notably soft peatiness (6-8 ppm), making the smokiness very subtle. Prominent flavors include heather, blooming heather, vanilla, caramel, and red oranges.
Comparison: Not directly compared to other whiskies, but its elegance and balance are highlighted as exceptional.

Anecdotes: Horst Luening, the master taster, shares personal visits to Aberfeldy, including a memorable trip with a group of elderly people and their parents. He also mentions the distillery's visitor center, the Home of the Dewars, which offers an immersive experience into the production and blending process.
Trivia: Aberfeldy Distillery was established in 1898, coinciding with the construction of the railway which facilitated the distribution of its products.

Historical Context: Aberfeldy's location and establishment are tied to the development of the railway system in Scotland, emphasizing its historical significance in the whisky industry.
Cultural Impact: The distillery's connection to Dewars, a leading blended whisky brand in the USA, underscores its influence on the global whisky market.

"This is very, very elegant. And if you want to give a present or invite a special person to a whisky, this is a very good one for this purpose."
"Definitely one of the very, very good ones... fully balanced, wonderful."

Aberfeldy 21 years old is a single malt Scotch whisky with a soft peatiness and a rich flavor profile including heather, vanilla, caramel, and red oranges.
The distillery's history and connection to the Dewars brand add to its cultural and historical significance.
The whisky is highly recommended for its elegance and balance, making it an ideal gift or special occasion whisky.
Recent changes in packaging and a significant price increase reflect its rarity and value in the market.

Whisky Connoisseurs: Individuals with a deep appreciation for balanced and nuanced flavors will enjoy the subtle peatiness and rich profile.
Gift Seekers: Those looking to impress with a thoughtful and elegant whisky gift.
New Whisky Enthusiasts: While the price point may be higher, beginners with a keen interest in exploring aged single malts might find this a rewarding experience.