Scotch

Whisky Review: Aberfeldy 16 Year Old

$84

OVERALL
RATING

7

Whisky Review: Aberfeldy 16 Year Old

If you’ve tried your hand and some good introductory whiskies from all sorts of styles, and are looking to take the next step, Aberfeldy 16 Year Old is one of the best first steps to take.
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Tasting Notes:

About:
This is the Aberfeldy 16 Year Old release single malt scotch whisky. The Aberfeldy 16 Year Old comes in a dark brown presentation tube with gold writing. The 70cl bottle is short and wide, with a thick glass base, good for pouring.
Appearance:
Deep amber
Nose:
The dram immediately delivers sweetness on the nose, with peach, grapes and apples. It is very pleasant. There is a light oak spice, nothing too heavy. The alcohol doesn’t really play upfront in the nosing here.
Palate:
This whisky is mild and the palate is a smooth transition from the nose. Honey sweet, or possibly toffee apples are the flavours I taste first and foremost, with lighter oak spice. It comes together wonderfully.
Finish:
The honey sweet is more dominant on the finish than first impression and taste. The oak spice has developed into a nutty, chocolate like note which moves into strong black tea. It is a medium long finish, presented well.
Comments:
This 16 Year Old Aberfeldy is an offering from Dewars. It is a great introduction to aged malts beyond the realms of 10 or 12 years old. It serves really well as a breakfast dram, or as a replacement for aperitif. This would have scored an 8 for me if it had been above the standard 40% mark. My feeling is that if it had been between 46-48% – we would be sitting on a solid 9.

Who Will Enjoy Aberfeldy 16 Year Old?

If you’re looking for a whisky that screams big fruity notes, and some rather lush honey notes – Aberfeldy has always been a go-to for consumers across the world regarding approachable flavors.

If you’ve tried your hand and some good introductory whiskies from all sorts of styles, and are looking to take the next step, Aberfeldy 16 Year Old is one of the best first steps to take. It is bottled at 40% which makes it approachable from every angle. It works well for the drinker who is used to bigger, bolder strengths, as well as folks who want to keep it every day and very inclusive.

Should You Buy It?

If you’ve made it this far, it’s clear you’re intrigued—so yes, this is one worth buying. Grab a bottle, enjoy the first pour yourself, and then share it with friends and family to gather their thoughts. Aberfeldy is a smaller distillery compared to some of its closest rivals, but it plays a significant role in blending for Dewar’s, showcasing its expertise in crafting liquids that span a wide range of ages, flavors, and price points.

Whether you’re a seasoned whisky enthusiast or just starting out, this bottle offers great value without straining your budget. While it may not be the most powerful whisky out there—reflected in its review score—it still delivers a core of delightful character that doesn’t rely on overwhelming strength to impress.

Is Aberfeldy 16 Year Old A Good Introduction To Aged Whisky?

Absolutely! Aberfeldy has certainly crafted some bold, over-the-top whiskies in its time, but its core range focuses on balance—fruit, honey, and a pleasant sweetness that avoids being overpowering. While many brands have the capability to create strikingly intense whiskies, Aberfeldy makes it a cornerstone of its philosophy to maintain a signature style of unctuous fruit notes, offering a relaxing, indulgent experience after a long day or week.

When compared to other whiskies of a similar age, few truly match the distinctiveness of Aberfeldy. Bottles like Glenlivet 15 Year Old and Glenfiddich 15 and 18 Year Old stand out in their own right, but none align as closely to a singular “house style” as Aberfeldy does. While these other whiskies often achieve their character through sherry casks or French oak, Aberfeldy’s rich flavor emerges naturally, without relying on alternative influences.

Of course, peated whiskies offer a vastly different experience, but for fans of aged bourbon, Aberfeldy’s style may be one of the few single malts that capture a similar space—with its rich fruits, honey, vanilla, and gentle woody notes.

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Davis Gonnella

Davis Gonnella, a proud father of five, resides with his partner in Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. He is passionately dedicated to the world of whisky, with a mission to secure a Designation of Origin Control (DOC) for this beloved spirit. His advocacy also extends to the political realm, where he aims to create a position for a Minister for Whisky Tourism within the Scottish Government. A lifelong ambition of his is to be recognized for his contributions and be made a Keeper of the Quaich.

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