Aberfeldy 18 Year Old Cote Rotie Cask Finish Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Aging whisky in a secondary cask is sometimes risky, but tinkering with a whisky that's 18 years old is even riskier. Malt Master, Stephanie Macleod has done just that with this Aberfeldy finished in red wine casks from the Northern Rhone valley in France - specifically, Cote Rotie - probably for around 4-6 months, though the exact period isn't stated. 43% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... Red wine finishing can be tricky with whisky, and this bottling is no exception to the rule. The impact of red wine is immediately evident on the nose, tannic and meaty, with cereal and spice notes serving to slightly temper the winey notes that otherwise wholly dominate. The palate feels similar, quite sharp with notes of pepper jerky, some currant notes giving the back end some much needed fruit. Toasty oak is big on the finish, but only for a moment, before the whisky retreats to notes of beef tallow and bacon fat. The 2020 bottling of this limited release saw a much more different experience, considerably fruitier and sweeter throughout. Unfortunately, this release is just much too savory for easy enjoyment, that tannic backbone having its way with the delicate underlying spirit. - drinkhacker.com