Aberfeldy 12 Year

Nose: Mild malted cereal with soft orchard and citrus fruits, a touch of vanilla, honey and a hint of cask. The overall scent is sweet, like watered-down honey, and it's generally very mild and straightforward, yet pleasant. It evokes the aroma of a fresh croissant with butter and honey. The honey notes become more pronounced as it sits in the glass. Palate: Cereal with significant sweetness – reminiscent of porridge with white sugar. There are some citrus notes, a hint of honey again, and just a pinch of ginger spice, but these flavors are subtle. The texture is quite agreeable with good body, though I wouldn't describe it as creamy or oily. Perhaps silky? Finish: Short. Un-toasted cereal flavors that fade quickly into a neutral aftertaste with lingering sweetness. Aberfeldy 12 is perhaps the quintessential easy-drinking single malt scotch, and its character is clearly evident in Dewar’s blended scotch, for which Aberfeldy forms the majority of the base. This is an entirely uncomplicated and gentle dram, almost charming in its simple appeal. However, this should not be seen as a negative. Aberfeldy (and this particular expression) is extremely popular for valid reasons. It's difficult not to like the spirit or to fault the distillery for offering such an honest, down-to-earth, approachable expression matured in refill bourbon casks. The price has been steadily increasing in our market – not long ago it was only $60 – so it's no longer the great deal it once was, and when compared to competitors in the $80-100 range, it's hard to recommend unless you prioritize gentleness above all else. Then again, that sweet, gentle cereal character is appealing and it's certainly worth trying at least once. "Above Average": 82/100 (3.25 stars)

This is my initial experience with this pour. A fantastic find at Costco, I couldn't pass it up for less than $30. Disclaimer: I'm a big fan of Dewar's, so my reaction to this easy sipper is predictable. Enjoyed neat from a glencairn. The aroma offers sweet malt, fresh apples, and very subtle floral hints that float over a delicate wood note. This is an easy-drinking spirit. Dewar's 12 Double Aged is my go-to for cocktails like the Rob Roy, Bobby Burns, Penicillin, and most scotch-based drinks, including the occasional Old Fashioned. I also enjoy a small amount over a coconut water ice cube when relaxing. I believe this offers a more satisfying experience in many aspects. While not a heavily sherried scotch, there's plenty of orchard fruit in its profile. Apples, pears, apricots, and muskmelon are all noticeable. Subtle black pepper, soft vanilla, and sweet woody notes round it out. The finish is quick, clean, and sweet. There's no peat smoke present... For the price, this is significantly above average. It's certainly not the finest scotch I've ever had, but it's a solid choice any day.

My impressions: Smell: Fresh, perhaps green apples Black licorice candies Taste: Black licorice again, leaning towards the sweet candy side Apples again, but cooked now with some spices Finish: Initially dry and almost bitter, but a pleasant bitterness, not an unpleasant one. Then it mellows into a honey syrup. I really enjoy this one.

Nose: Yellow and red fruits like peach, apricot, and cranberry, raspberry. Also honey, butterscotch, sweet grains, and an oak finish. Palate: Floral, herbal, spicy notes like white pepper, a hint of acetone with bourbon character, honey, slight anise. Finish: Short.

The whisky is smooth and light. It's a very easy drinker with subtle tasting notes of Vanilla, woody oak, and toffee. Considering the price, this bottle is excellent for a small evening sip. It's easy to drink, not very complex, and a bit flat, but goes down smoothly!

Color: light gold Body: medium, thick Nose: Smokey, honey, and a touch of sweet Taste: Smokey apple, with a bite in the finish. It has a creamy quality, but the fiery finish detracts from the lingering taste. Notes: served neat in a glencairn glass