Aberfeldy 2009 Aged 14 Years Connoisseurs Choice Single Malt Scotch Whisky – Gordon & MacPhail (700ml)
8.9$269.00
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Description
Aberfeldy 2009 Aged 14 Years Connoisseurs Choice Single Malt Scotch Whisky – Gordon & MacPhail (700ml)
Volume: 700ml ABV: 55.4% Age: 14 Years Old Country: Scotland
Cask Number(s): 16602907
Distilled: 2009
Bottled: 2024
Matured In: Matured in a Refill Sherry Hogshead (Cask No. 16602907). A refill sherry hogshead means the cask has held sherry and Scotch whisky before. While less intense than a first-fill sherry cask, it still imparts lovely dried fruit, spice, and nutty notes without overwhelming Aberfeldy’s delicate spirit.
For more than a century, Gordon & MacPhail has been entrusted with new-make spirit from more than 100 Scottish distilleries to mature in their way, using casks made to their exacting specifications. The ‘Distillery Labels’ range is a celebration of these long standing and unique relationships. The history of this range heralds back to their very beginnings – to the days when distillery spirit was produced primarily to be used in blends. Because of the strong working relationships Gordon & MacPhail had with distillery owners, they would bottle and sell the spirit they created as single malt on the condition that they used their ‘house’ label with the caption “bottled by Gordon & MacPhail”.
The “Connoisseurs Choice” range was created by George Urquhart, a visionary figure in the company, back in 1968. This series was revolutionary because it gave a platform to single malts. At a time when blends dominated the market, Connoisseurs Choice championed the unique character of individual single malts, some of which had never been bottled as such before. It offered whisky enthusiasts the chance to discover whiskies from nearly 100 different Scottish distilleries, showcasing the vast spectrum of flavours. These bottlings often represent unique perspectives on a distillery’s spirit, bottled at various strengths (including cask strength) and always non-chill-filtered.
The Aberfeldy Distillery is nestled in the scenic Highlands of Scotland, near the town of Aberfeldy, on the banks of the River Tay. It’s considered the “spiritual home” of John Dewar & Sons. Founded by the Dewar’s family in 1896 and opened in 1898, Aberfeldy was built specifically to supply malt whisky for the rapidly growing Dewar’s blended Scotch whisky. It has undergone expansions and ownership changes over the years but remains a cornerstone of the Dewar’s blend, now owned by Bacardi. Aberfeldy uses traditional copper pot stills and notably employs longer fermentation times (often around 65-85 hours). This extended fermentation is crucial in developing the rich, fruity, and distinctively honeyed esters that are a hallmark of Aberfeldy single malt. While much of its production goes into blends, official single malt bottlings (like the 12, 16, and 21-year-olds) are available, often matured primarily in ex-bourbon casks, with some sherry influence.
This independent bottling offers a chance to experience Aberfeldy’s character at a higher strength, with specific cask influence chosen by Gordon & MacPhail. Only 267 bottles (a very limited release, typical of single cask bottlings). Non-chill filtered, no colour added, ensuring natural character and full flavour.
Our Tasting Notes
Nose:Rich and complex, with inviting aromas of lightly spiced fruit cake and rich orange marmalade. Notes of roast hazelnut, ripe red apple, and a delicate hint of chocolate weave through.
Palate: Smooth and sweet on the entry, with an immediate burst of intense orange peel and candied citrus. It quickly develops into luscious stewed red fruits like plums and berries. The sweetness is beautifully balanced by a growing warm spice, reminiscent of cinnamon and nutmeg. Toasted oak notes emerge, adding structure, along with a surprising touch of garden mint. Full-bodied and wonderfully viscous, coating the palate due to the cask strength and non-chill filtration. It feels both powerful and elegant.
Finish:Long and warming, with the spices lingering alongside notes of milk chocolate and that fresh garden mint.A pleasant, drying oakiness rounds out the experience.
Overall Impression: This is an exceptional Aberfeldy, showcasing the distillery’s honeyed and fruity character beautifully enhanced by the refill sherry hogshead. The high ABV provides depth and intensity, making it a nuanced and highly rewarding dram that reveals layers of flavour with each sip.
Additional information
Weight | 1.7 kg |
---|---|
Dimensions | 35 × 14 × 14 cm |
Aged | 14 yrs |
Country | Scotland |
Brand | Aberfeldy |
Flavour Profile | Cask Strength, Sherry Cask |
Production Year | 2009 |
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