Aberfeldy 16

There are over 100 distilleries in the Highlands. In such a large crowd, it can sometimes be a challenge to stand out.

Not so for Aberfeldy. If you're looking for a uniquely rich, fruity, and smooth whisky, you can't go wrong with this one.

I returned from London last week with the Aberfeldy 16. I had hesitated a bit between that and the Aberfeldy 12 (also another good one), but the richer, fuller flavour of the 16 won the day. (The 12 is a "simpler" expression of the 16 - same sweet, malty, fruity notes, but much less complex than the latter.)

Some more about Aberfeldy. The distillery was established in 1896 by the Dewar family (they of Dewar's Blended Scotch fame). You cannot tell the story of Scotch whisky without mentioning the significant role played by the Dewar family. The Aberfeldy distillery is therefore of solid pedigree.

Aberfeldy whiskies are renowned for their honeyed flavour. Others in the Aberfeldy stable are the Aberfeldy 18, Aberfeldy 21, and Aberfeldy 30 (this last one, the 30, is actually quite rare).

The Dewar brand was acquired by Bacardi in 1998, along with the Aberfeldy Distillery.

I wasn't quite sure I would like the 16. It's matured in ex-bourbon and sherry casks, and I'm not a big fan of sherried whiskies. I needn't have worried, though. The sweetness of the bourbon won through. The heavy sherry flavour is definitely there, but serves as no more than a baseline for a well-rounded flavour. Also, this whisky is 40% ABV, which is perfect for me, as extremely high ABV-whiskies are generally not to my taste.

In assessing whiskies, I often ask myself if the whisky in question is one that a non-connoisseur would like, that is, whether it is a whisky that would not overpower, but rather would suggest itself to the drinker in a gentle and unique way. The Aberfeldy 16 is one such whisky. It is rich and smooth, and does not dissemble. A truly "honest" dram, you get what you're looking for - a smooth, honeyed, complex taste, plus a spicy finish.