It seems every species of oak is getting its fifteen minutes of fame these days as distillers and bottlers experiment with a wide range of wood types to differentiate their products. This owes much to changes in the whisky industry, from the heightened demand for bourbon staves, to the use of younger oak in the production of barrels, or new approaches to whisky extraction (thus leaving less behind in the barrel). Those last two have left some first fill bourbon maturations feeling more like new oak and presented a new challenge for whisky makers.

The Scotch industry has a long history of adapting to changing conditions and experimenting with new techniques, technologies, and ingredients. As much as it likes to stress stories of continuity and tradition, there is a long tradition of change and adaptation. So here we have an entry into the wave of oaky experimentation (or wood-tech as a friend put it)— Scottish oak of all things! 

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Whisky: Aberfledy 9 Year (2014) Exceptional Casks Scottish Oak

Country/Region: Scotland/Highland

ABV: 59.7%

Cask: Bourbon, New Scottish Oak

Age: 9 Years (Distilled 11 Feb. 2014, Bottled 6 March 2023)

Notes: Apple hard candies and grape leaves confused the senses: was this a bag of hard candies or dolmas? Sweet Spanish olive oil and hints of pistachio paste pushed the affair toward tapas-flavored saltwater taffies with hard waxy cheese rind, toasted almonds, oiled wood, and honey. Medium-bodied, on the palate the whisky was youthful and spirited as freshly cracked black pepper led to dried oregano, thyme, roasted nuts, and quince jelly. Polished wood and drying tannins gathered steam with each sip as apple cores and sweet praline came along for the ride. The finish was medium-length with drying woodsy tannins, spirited pepper, and quince.

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Score: 6 (77)

Mental Image: Rural Tapas Touring

Conclusion: Well, this was interesting! The youthful spirit stood up well against the hefty influence of the cask. It never entirely disappeared— a surprise considering I often thought of Aberfeldy as one of the more delicate Speyside whiskies (an impression I have revised after this week). This had some lovely savory elements and a good evolution throughout— even if it became a touch drying and sweet for my taste at the end. Overall, consider me curious to try more.

Image Credit: Whisky Hammer