Aberfeldy Exceptional Cask Series 18 Years Old 2002

Distilled at Aberfeldy in 2002 and matured 18 years in a single Oloroso sherry cask numbered 3064, bottled by John Dewar & Sons in 2021 at cask strength 53.3% under the Exceptional Cask Series for the European specialist trade. 516 bottles in total. The 2002 vintage falls in the early Bacardi era at the distillery, four years after the 1998 sale and into the period when single malt production volumes were increasing alongside the launch of the modern 12 year flagship in 2000.

Long fermentation Aberfeldy spirit from the four still configuration, distilled in 2002 under John Dewar & Sons (Bacardi) ownership. Filled into a single Oloroso sherry cask and aged 18 years at the distillery's warehouses. Bottled at cask strength 53.3% with no chill filtering and no caramel adjustment under the Exceptional Cask Series house specification.

Eighteen years in a seasoned Oloroso butt drives a fully developed sherry signature: melanoidins from prior sherry reduction in the staves contribute walnut and dried fig, ellagitannins and gallic acid from European oak supply the tannin grip and bittersweet chocolate, and sotolon development gives baked fruit and aged Cognac depth. Aberfeldy's house esters (ethyl laurate, ethyl myristate, heavier alcohols) hold the heather honey base, with 53.3% sitting at a balanced strength that allows the sherry frame to lead on the palate while the honey base supports underneath.