Aberfeldy blows out 125 candles and comes with exclusive 25-year-old whisky
Hip hip, hurray! Aberfeldy whiskey is blowing out 125 candles this year. Of course they don't just let this pass by, so to celebrate this a special bottling has been released: a 25-year old whiskey packaged in a collector's edition. Just in time for the holidays, how convenient. The bottle with gold-colored packaging also makes it nice and festive to give (but rather to receive). And what is extra special about the Aberfeldy 25yr? The characteristic that the 'normal' Aberfeldy has - that soft, honey-like, slightly waxy - is now complimented by the maturation in first fill Oloroso sherry barrels.
Your piggy bank must be broken, because this bottle costs no less than 499,99 euros. But hey, that's also allowed with this milestone... You only reach 125 once. Please note: you can get the bottle via the Aberfeldy online store order, but they only ship within the UK. If you have an acquaintance, old neighbor or family member there: good for you. Or else look very kindly at your local liquor store to see if they can fix something?
You can buy the Aberfeldy 12 at your local liquor store or Gall&Gall. It may not be the festive edition, but it is easier to obtain and a little easier on your wallet (Aberfeldy 12 is €41,99 at Gall&Gall).
De Aberfeldy Whiskey Distillery was founded in 1898 by John Alexander Dwar, one of the very first 'Whiskey Barons' who gave life to the Scotch whiskey world. In the heart of Scotland you will find the Aberfeldy Distillery in, yes, Aberfeldy. Exactly at this point you will find Perthsire's highest mountain, the longest valley and the deepest loch. The water for the Aberfeldy Whiskey is taken from the Pitilie Burn, which flows right on the doorstep. It is therefore not surprising that John Alexander chose this place. Aberfeldy is known for its oily, soft and fruity flavors, perfect after a meal. Or by a fireplace. Or after a fresh walk. You get the point.
Fun fact: Aberfeldy uses the color gold in the labels because there are gold mineral deposits in that burn. No bits of gold in your whiskey of course, but that specific water certainly contributes to the characteristic taste of Aberfeldy and why it is also called the 'golden dram' by enthusiasts.
Whiskey is the national drink of Scotland, and also one of its largest export products. It is clear that they have been working hard for some time now, as we know that whiskey as we know it today was first mentioned in the fifteenth century. Some claim that the Arabs were the first to make whisky, but then the Scots certainly took it to the level it is at today. There are more than 140 distilleries in Scotland. You can't always visit them all, but luckily you can visit Aberfeldy. Tours, tastings, just a pint and a dram in the bar and to the shop for a whiskey to take home. And of course that special edition Aberfeldy 125yr, if you are in the area (and on time).
Drinking whiskey neat – no ice, no water, no mixer – is how we most often drink it. However, you make whiskey more of a friend to everyone by mixing it. Ideal for the upcoming holidays (if you are already busy and really don't want to shake a cocktail for someone per order), a classic hot toddy is a solution. We have been making this for years (not just during the holidays, by the way) and it works extremely well with the Aberfeldy 12. Of course not the Aberfeldy 25 Limited Edition, because anyone who mixes his 500 euros of whiskey has to go to jail.
For four people: 100 ml Aberfeldy 12 whisky, 1,5 tablespoons of honey, 4 cinnamon sticks, 2 lemons and 8 cloves.
Cut four nice slices from a lemon and add two cloves to each slice. Mix the whiskey and honey together and divide among four glasses. Add the cinnamon stick, hot water over it, a little lemon juice to taste and garnish with the lemon slice and cloves. Not traditional, but tasty: some chili flakes on the lemon slice for an extra kick.
A good whiskey deserves a nice glass. In fact, a lesser whiskey also improves. Whether you opt for a classic tumbler, a tasting glass on a stand or a modern version; we would like to share which ones are in our closet:
- classic tumbler, just from Ikea (and can just as easily serve as a water glass on weekdays).
- Glencairn whiskey glass, the official tasting glass for whisky. The very special whiskeys go in here.
- modern variant, with a thinner rim than the classic tumbler.
- for a Hot Toddy with Aberfeldy 12: the heat-resistant glasses from Temu are beautiful!
