New Release: Aberfeldy 18 Year Old Official #133 53.8% 2016 Bottling

The nose presents a rich cask character and house style. Aberfeldy ABERFELDY 18yo OB #133 53.8% bottled in 2016, one of 648 bottles The aroma features ripe orange, vanilla, honey, wax, oil, robust oak, and deep malt. On the palate, it begins with a viscous mouthfeel, expanding into a richly aromatic profile of orange oil, vanilla, honeyed sweetness, malty umami, strong oak, and tannins, finishing with a luxurious aftertaste. [Good/Very Good] This is an official single cask Aberfeldy, matured for 18 years. As it was bottled in 2016, the distillation date would be around 1998. While it shares the same label as a whisky shop-exclusive bottling from last year, the intended market for this single cask remains unclear. The bourbon barrel influence is rich and assertive, with strong notes of orange oil, vanilla, and oak. Simultaneously, the house style of Aberfeldy—its velvety honeyed depth and pronounced maltiness—is clearly present. The oak lacks the rough, woody bitterness often associated with raw casks, offering a refined and luxurious character. However, personally, I found the tannins slightly overpowering. Given its high potential, I believe this whisky will mellow with time, eventually achieving a harmonious balance between the cask influence and the spirit's original character, resulting in an even more enjoyable drinking experience.