5 Things You Might Not Know About Aberfeldy Whisky

Still looking for a Father’s Day gift? You can stop now! If you want something approachable for dad that delivers quality and hails from Scotland, Aberfeldy is the perfect choice. This award-winning whisky brand is known as the Gold Standard for good reason.

You’ve probably seen Aberfeldy’s distinctive bottles before. But do you know the full story behind the brand? Here are a few fun facts you might not have heard. Why? So you can be sure you’re giving dad a gift he’ll enjoy for months to come.

Where some Scottish distilleries trace their roots back centuries, Aberfeldy is a little younger. The distillery was founded in 1896 by the Dewar brothers in the town of Aberfeldy. Since then, premium whiskies have been crafted here, in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.

Though the distillery weathered the world’s ups and downs, Aberfeldy did have to partially close its doors during both World Wars. In 2025, the brand’s strength is unmistakable, with those golden bottles gleaming on shelves in whisky shops everywhere.

The bottles are handsomely rounded, and because the label runs horizontally, you always get a clear view of the whisky. Its color is gorgeous—and set it next to a jar of honey and your mouth starts watering. That comparison is no coincidence: Aberfeldy 12 Year Old is famed for its silky character with notes of honey, vanilla, toffee, and touches of spice and fruit.

If dad’s a budding whisky drinker who appreciates an inviting single malt, this is a great pick.

Over the years, the distillery has taken home an impressive haul of accolades. Any athlete would be jealous: the tally already tops 200 gold medals. Each release is matured in high-quality oak casks, and choosing the right cask has a profound impact on flavor. On that front, master blender Stephanie Macleod and distillery manager John MacKenzie know exactly what they’re doing.

A true standout is the 16 Year Old Aberfeldy. Matured in Madeira casks, it brings a subtle sweetness to the spirit. It’s no wonder this whisky was crowned best in the category ‘Distillers’ Single Malt Scotch Whisky 13 to 19 Years’ at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Does dad already know the classic 12 Year Old? Then take it up a notch with this award-winner.

The first single malt whisky from Aberfeldy only arrived in 1999. You might not expect that, given the distillery has been around since 1896, but it’s true. In the early years, the focus was on blends. Familiar with Dewar’s bottles? They come from the same company. Today you’ll also find releases like Portuguese Smooth, Japanese Smooth, and French Smooth.

That first Aberfeldy single malt landed 26 years ago, and it was a hit from day one. The 12 Year Old single malt drew rave reviews and high scores—eights and nines across the board.

A hallmark of Aberfeldy whiskies is their long fermentation, an impressive 72 hours, which is far from standard. This gives the spirit fruity esters and complex aromas. In simple terms, it’s a technique that adds depth and layers of flavor to the whisky.

When you pour a whisky, you want layers to explore and a flavor journey that engages your whole palate. That’s exactly what you’ll find in the 21 Year Old edition. Dad will taste honey, orange, oak, and spice, with a finish to savor. A luxurious gift for Christmas or any special occasion.