Aberfeldy Napa Valley Finish 15 Years | Whisky Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Aberfeldy Distillery, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation Process: The whisky undergoes a maturation process that includes a combination of ex-Bourbon, sherry casks, and a finish in Cabernet Sauvignon wine casks from Napa Valley, California.
Age Statement: 15 years.
Color and Bottle Design: The whisky is described as having a golden styling, which is inspired by the nearby water source or creek where gold was historically found. The bottle design includes a bulging shape, and the packaging references the distillery's connection to gold, including a golden box for a special edition.

Balance of Flavors: The whisky presents a harmonious blend of fruity, juicy sherry and wine notes, combined with a mild honey sweetness characteristic of Aberfeldy. The flavor profile evolves in the mouth, starting with a strong presence of wine and grapes, followed by honey and oak notes with a light spiciness.
Unique Characteristics: The finish in Cabernet Sauvignon wine casks adds a distinctive grapey and slightly acidic touch to the whisky, making it stand out. The aftertaste is less sweet and fruity, with a definite oak component and notes of coffee and cinnamon.
Comparison: The whisky is noted to have a more intense, dark, and robust profile compared to the Aberfeldy 12-year-old, with the wine cask finish significantly influencing the flavor.

Series: This whisky is part of a series that started in 2019, focusing on red wine cask finishes, including previous editions like Pomerol finish from Bordeaux and Côte Rôtie.
Distillery Character: Aberfeldy is highlighted for its consistent production of interesting whiskies, serving as the spice for Dewar's, the best-selling Scotch blended whisky brand in the US.

Napa Valley Influence: The use of Cabernet Sauvignon wine casks from Napa Valley, a renowned wine-producing region in California, adds a unique American twist to this Scotch whisky, blending Scottish distillation craftsmanship with Californian wine heritage.
Gold Theme: The golden styling of the whisky and its packaging pay homage to the historical gold digging in the creek near the distillery, adding a layer of local heritage to the brand's identity.

"It's a limited edition, so they do run out, but I'm really excited how such a nice mild honey sweetness distillery character is going to combine with that red wine."
"The wine is very present...very fruity, juicy on the tongue, and then the honey note cuts through as well as an oaky note with a light spiciness."
"It feels really like a wine finish. So the wine is very present, a little bit of acidity in there, a lot of grapes in there."

Aberfeldy Napa Valley Finish 15 Years is a single malt Scotch whisky with a unique finish in Cabernet Sauvignon wine casks from Napa Valley.
The whisky features a golden color inspired by the local creek's gold-digging history, with a flavor profile that combines fruity, juicy sherry and wine notes with Aberfeldy's signature mild honey sweetness.
The wine cask finish adds a distinctive grapey touch and a slightly acidic flavor, resulting in a more intense, dark, and robust whisky compared to Aberfeldy's 12-year-old expression.
The series to which this whisky belongs highlights the distillery's innovative approach to maturation, incorporating red wine casks from renowned regions.
The whisky is appreciated for its balance of flavors, unique wine cask influence, and the cultural significance of its gold-themed packaging.

Wine Enthusiasts: Individuals who enjoy red wine, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon, may find this whisky intriguing due to its wine cask finish.
Scotch Whisky Collectors: Collectors looking for limited edition releases with unique maturation processes.
Experienced Whisky Drinkers: Those with a palate for complex, oak-influenced whiskies that offer a departure from traditional Scotch profiles.