Aberfeldy 12

Aberfeldy 12

I've had this bottle in my cabinet for at least two years, and decided to open it. The box that housed tge bottle was a beautiful brass colored metal box with a hinged door. Very nice, and possibly the reason I haven't opened it until now.

The whisky is appealing to the eye with a rich beautiful honey amber color. The initial pour wafted a wonderful aroma, that soon diminished. The first nose from the glass promised a great first taste, but after a few short minutes in the glass, much of this was lost.

I was quite dissapointed with the first taste. Very flat on the front, no special "forward" notes, but the mouthfeel was pleasant and smooth. The finish seemed short and bitter-oakey, however further tastes improved and the finish lingered with a bit of pepper, but the bitter oak remained.

I let it sit for a few minutes before trying again. I had finished a cigar 15 minutes earlier and thought perhaps residual smoke was altering my taste. My mouth now cleaned out, I tried again.

The aroma never came back - not much there, but the taste improved. Still not what I was hoping for.

It's not a great whisky. I have had whiskies $15-$20 cheaper with far better flavor. My recommendation is to pass by this one and go straight to a Tomatin 12. You'll save a few bucks and enjoy it more.