Aberfeldy has released the latest expression in its Red Wine Cask Collection.

The new 18-year-old single malt was finished in ex-Cabernet Sauvignon barriques from California's Napa Valley, following maturation in a combination of refill casks. 

First launched in 2019, the annual Red Wine Cask Collection has featured finishes in red wine casks sourced from France and Italy, as well as the USA. Last year's release, a 15-year-old, also utilised Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon casks.

Stephanie Macleod, Dewar's director of blending for Scotch whisky, said: "Compared to the 15-year-old, this whisky shows a deepening of the red berry aromas. There’s green apple and Aberfeldy’s signature honey floral notes. Being older and having spent longer in the wine cask, it’s richer and more decadent, more syrupy versus jammy, and has a softening of the spice notes – the tannin notes, which come across as cinnamon in the 15, dissipate leaving a velvety and more mellow dram.”

Aberfeldy 18 Years Old finished in Cabernet Sauvignon wine casks from Napa Valley (43% ABV) will be available in limited runs, initially launching on the distillery’s online shop, then rolling out in the UK, France, Germany, and USA (RRP £115).