This Exceptional Aberfeldy Whisky Isn’t for Everyone

Thursday, 22 October 2026 at 17:49

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Leave a whisky to finish in Madeira casks for six years? Aberfeldy thought that sounded like a delicious idea. The Scottish distillery has released a new 27-year-old single malt, with just 276 bottles available. It’s a special bottling from the Exceptional Cask Series. But what makes this whisky so special, and how much does a bottle cost?

Aberfeldy 27 Years Old gets a six-year finish in Madeira casks

Aberfeldy’s latest whisky is called Aberfeldy 27-Year-Old Madeira Double Cask Finish. The single malt spent most of its life in ex-bourbon casks.

After almost 21 years, the distillery decided to take a different approach. The whisky was transferred to Madeira casks, where it was left to mature for another six years. That’s a long time for a finish. For many whiskies, this second maturation period is considerably shorter. Aberfeldy therefore gave the casks plenty of time to work their influence on the spirit.

The bottling is part of the Exceptional Cask Series, in which the distillery experiments with different types of cask maturation.

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Why did Aberfeldy choose Madeira casks?

Madeira is a fortified wine from the Portuguese island of the same name. What makes this wine special is the way it matures. During the process, it is deliberately exposed to heat and oxygen.

This creates flavours you wouldn’t expect to find in an ordinary wine, such as toasted nuts, caramelised sugar, stewed fruit and toffee. At the same time, Madeira retains a fresh acidity.

That’s an intriguing combination for Aberfeldy. After all, the Highland distillery is known for its soft, honeyed whiskies.

By bringing that style together with Madeira’s rich flavours, the brand aims to create a whisky that retains its distinctive original character.

Malt master Stephanie Macleod kept a close eye on the whisky

Behind this special release is Stephanie Macleod, the renowned malt master at Aberfeldy. She monitored the whisky’s development throughout its six-year finish.

According to Macleod, a good cask finish should feel like a natural complement to the whisky, rather than something that completely changes its original flavour. She says Madeira’s nutty sweetness and fresh character pair well with Aberfeldy’s honeyed style.

Macleod has received several accolades for her work, including the title of Master Blender of the Year at the International Whisky Competition.

What does Aberfeldy 27-Year-Old Madeira Double Cask Finish taste like?

Anyone who enjoys fruity Highland whisky is likely to be curious about this bottling. The official tasting notes point to a rich profile combining honey, fruit and warming spices.

According to Aberfeldy, the whisky has the following characteristics:

Nose: A rich, inviting aroma, with deep notes enhanced by the Madeira casks.
Palate: Red apples with honey, complemented by candied orange peel.
Finish: Sweet cinnamon spice brings a warm close.

The combination of honey and fruit is particularly in keeping with Aberfeldy’s familiar house style. According to the tasting notes, Madeira seems to add another layer to it. Just how pronounced the cask influence is, of course, will only become clear once the whisky is in the glass.

How much does Aberfeldy 27 Years Old Madeira whisky cost?

If you want to get your hands on a bottle, you’ll need to be quick. Aberfeldy 27-Year-Old Madeira Double Cask Finish costs £600, and just 276 bottles of this expression have been made worldwide. It’s also a distillery exclusive.

That means bottles are available only from Dewar's Aberfeldy Distillery and its online shop. No general release in Dutch shops has been announced.

FAQ

How many bottles of Aberfeldy 27 Years Old were made?
Just 276 bottles were produced. It’s a limited release from the Exceptional Cask Series.
How long did Aberfeldy 27 Years Old mature in Madeira casks?
The whisky spent almost 21 years in ex-bourbon casks, followed by a six-year finish in Madeira casks.
Where can you buy Aberfeldy 27-Year-Old Madeira Double Cask Finish?
The whisky is available exclusively from Dewar's Aberfeldy Distillery and its online shop.