They say that life begins at 40, and after having recently hit the big 4-0 milestone myself, I can certainly attest to that, even if my back disagrees. 

Today’s review is all about celebrating and it’s an absolute belter that you won’t want to miss. No, I’m not talking about my birthday (although I certainly did do that) but rather, I’m talking about celebrating whisky. 

I know I keep saying it time and time again, but honestly, I can’t put into words just how blessed and grateful I am to be able to do what I do. Whisky is in our blood here at Great Drams, and it’s such a privilege to be able to share our passions with you, and other likeminded individuals. 

Sorry, I must be getting sentimental in my old age. One of the main reasons why I’m so grateful, though, is because I get to sample some of the finest whiskies that will ever grace this planet. One such example is Aberfeldy 40, kindly gifted to me by Jonathan ‘Jonno’ Wilson over at Aberfeldy. 

It’s this very whisky which I’ll be reviewing for you today. As you can probably tell, this one blew me away. 

A Highland Icon for Over a Century

While they say you should never pick your favourite children, or pets for that matter, I wonder if that same principle applies to whisky distilleries? 

Either way, I’ll quite happily go on record as saying that Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery, is one of my favourite distilleries across Scotland. Whenever I’m up in the Highlands I always try to make time to stop by, even if I’m there for pleasure, rather than business. 

Founded back in 1896 by John Dewar & Sons Ltd, the distillery officially opened in 1898. Situated on the southern banks of the River Tay, Tommy and John Alexander Dewar built the distillery in the heart of Perthshire in the Highlands for many reasons, one of which being a plentiful supply of water. The distillery sources its water from the Pitilie Burn (small river) which flows past the distillery directly into the River Tay. 

The water here is rich in nutrients and minerals, including gold, so it’s easy to see why so many consider Aberfeldy to the gold standard of whisky. Add to this, the excellent transport links for barley, fuel, and transporting the finished product, and you’ve all the makings of a world-class distillery. 

The fact that, more than a century later, the distillery is now able to produce upwards of 3.5 million litres of spirit, shows you that they clearly know their stuff. 

Aberfeldy 40 Year Old

I could sit here and big up Aberfeldy until my fingers cramp up, but instead, I want to get straight to the review so you can learn more about such an exceptional drop. 

Not too long ago, as I was mentally preparing myself for turning 40, I received one of the most unexpected, and generous gifts ever received. A bottle of Aberfeldy 40 Year Old! Huge thanks to Jonno Wilson, I’m still blown away now. 

Officially, the whisky was for a Poynton Whisky Club tasting, but I was lucky enough to get to try it a wee bit earlier. 

This whisky, like myself, had been maturing for four decades. Unlike me however, this whisky matured in American oak ex-bourbon hogsheads. It was a distillery exclusive hand fill, with an ABV of 46.1%, first distilled in 1978.

I love the presentation of this whisky. It’s a gorgeous amber honey colour, complete with gold font lettering and a golden wax seal, which I did struggle to open. (maybe time to hit the gym? Nah!) It just looks special. It looks and feels like luxury dram, because that’s exactly what it is, with a price to match. 

After hacking my way through the wax seal, I was treated to most satisfying pop when I uncorked the whisky. After pouring myself a dram, it was time for a good nosing. Wow! What a delight this was. I immediately picked up citrus notes. Hints of zesty limes and juicy oranges were definitely present here. 

As you’ll know from the videos we put out, an expression I like to use when reviewing whisky is old oak wisdom. As the whisky matures and mellows in the oak casks, the wood imparts all manner of different notes and flavours into the liquid. It reminded me of an old bookshop, or a leather chesterfield in a reading room or library, next to an open fire. Another sniff revealed that unmistakable honey richness you always seem to get with an Aberfeldy. 

On the palate, straight away I was taken back to my childhood. Lemon sherbet shone through straight away, along with other childhood favourites like foam bananas, rhubarb and custard sweets, and pear drops. These sweet and fruity flavours mingled perfectly with the gentle sweetness offered up by the rich honeyed notes I picked up on the nose. A hint of milk chocolate? It was fresh and juicy on my palate, awakening tastebuds I didn’t know I had. Oak and vanilla offered up a rich and creamy mouthfeel. Lovely. Absolutely incredible. 

The finish felt rich, indulgent, and satisfying. It was lengthy, smooth, zingy, and decadent. I picked up more leathery notes here, coupled with subtle undertones of toasted teacake, marzipan, and smooth vanilla oak. An absolute triumph of a whisky that I could happily sip on all day, though probably shouldn’t. 

Again, huge thanks to Jonno and the team over at Aberfeldy for a truly special birthday gift.