Aberfeldy 21 Year Old Madeira Cask Finish Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

This is the travel retail version of the 21YO, part matured in Madeira casks, which at the time of writing is selling for considerably more at Duty Free stores. Aberfeldy's Malt Master, Stephanie MacLeod finished it in ex-madeira casks for up to 12 months prior to bottling. The result is a richly textured, complex yet balanced whisky with notes of ripe fig, walnut and dark chocolate in symphony with Aberfeldy’s signature honeyed richness. 40% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... The nose is utterly irresistible with rich, honeyed aromas of granola, malted barley, vanilla, ground almond, and cream on hot porridge. The slightly waxy mouthfeel gives it a luxurious sheen, with flavors of citrus, heather honey fudge, vanilla, and peppery spice, followed by dried fruits, notably apricot and mango, oak, and hints of bourbon biscuit. A lively, mouth-coating finish of cinnamon and pepper round it out handsomely. 91 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Jonny McCormick 2021

...Sprays of orange peel oils are vibrant while golden raisin and apple pastry notes linger in the back of the aromatic surge. Waves of indulgent honey cookies and candied ginger unfold across the palate. Orange reappears, bitter and dried, on the gracefully winding finish. 94 points / Excellent, Highly Recommended - Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2021

...I used to the older version of Aberfeldy 21 quite a lot, despite its lightness. Not sure whether they changed the recipe or not along the new packaging… Oh and I’m not sure I’d have bottled a new 21 at 40% vol. The design is retro and the strength is retro too ;-), but the price is fair given the age (+/-85€). Colour: deep gold. Nose: but it’s even more breakfasty than the 16 yo! Although we’re rather finding marmalade and mint flavoured tea here, as well as curranty buns, Danishes, muffins, and all things from a New York coffee shop. No, not Starbucks. Very lovely nose, I have to say. Mouth: what a pity that they bottled it at 40% vol.! Because it’s totally excellent, bursting with raisins, jams, marmalades, and slightly mentholy herbal teas, some lemon grass, rose jelly, even tinned litchis, a perfect raisiny oakiness… Finish: short to medium, honeyed and grassy at the same time, with something Highland-Parky. Comments: shouldn’t we start petitioning? Why bottle any 20+ years old malt whisky at 40% vol.? Especially when it’s as excellent as this! 86 points - whiskyfun.com