Aberfeldy 15 Year Finished in Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Wine Casks

Color/appearance- Noticeably darker than most 12-15 year old scotches, with red/amber tones. I suspect significant influence from the wine finish. The legs are thick and move slowly. Nose- It immediately presents notes of fig newton and dusty powdered sugar, along with a distinct scotch tanginess. Palate- Reminiscent of powdered sugar, a cream-filled donut with fig jam, and a fruit salad. The texture is thick and coating. If not for the tangy nose, I might mistake this for a young armagnac. It draws prominent grape, fig, and plum flavors from the Cabernet, supported by an oaky foundation. Finish- The finish is long and gradually fades into chocolate with a nougat center. There is no warmth. While I might have desired a more challenging experience, it executes its intended profile effectively. Overall- This is an effortlessly drinkable spirit, perfect for someone like myself transitioning from bourbon, cognac, or armagnac backgrounds into the world of Scotch. It lacks any off-putting notes like bandaids or rubber. If there's a drawback, it might be that the wine influence leans heavily into dessert territory. For those seeking a delightful, reasonably priced digestif scotch, this should be a top consideration.

This is quite good, especially if you appreciate single malts aged in wine casks. The influence of the Cabernet is strong, providing a pleasant dark fruit and sweet foundation. However, it's not excessively sweet, and a pleasant peatiness emerges, contrasting the sweetness.

Aroma: sweet fruit Palate: spice and fruit Finish: short and spicy