Aberfeldy Exceptional Cask 26 Year Old Languedoc Roussillon Red Wine Finish Scotch Whisky
Aberfeldy Exceptional Cask 26 Year Old Languedoc Roussillon Red Wine Finish Scotch Whisky is a 52.2% ABV (104.4 proof), 700mL Highland single malt — filled in 1996, finished for just over two years in red wine casks from Languedoc Roussillon in southern France, and bottled in 2023 for Aberfeldy's Exceptional Cask Series. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 52.2% (104.4 proof)
- Size: 700mL
- Age: 26 years old — filled 1996, bottled 2023
- Finish: Languedoc Roussillon red wine casks, just over 2 years (finished since September 2021)
- Series: Exceptional Cask Series, selected by Malt Master Stephanie Macleod
- Origin: Aberfeldy Distillery, Highlands, Scotland
A Quarter-Century in Oak, Finished in French Red Wine Casks
Aberfeldy — the honeyed "golden dram" at the heart of Dewar's blends — reserves its Exceptional Cask Series for rare single-cask, double-cask and small-batch bottlings chosen by Malt Master Stephanie Macleod. This one began in 1996 and spent its final years, from September 2021, in red wine casks from Languedoc Roussillon, the Mediterranean south of France — a long finishing rest, not a brief rinse, so the wine's red-fruit depth is woven into Aberfeldy's signature honey rather than laid over it. Whisky Advocate scored it 93 points. Browse the Aberfeldy collection, more Scotch whisky, and the wider whiskey shelves at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
The nose is ripe with strawberries, mulled wine, orange peel, fresh lemon and vanilla. The palate is creamy and bright with lemon curd, dried apricot, orange zest and peppery spice; the long, flavourful finish brings plum tart, candied nuts and more fruit. (Whisky Advocate.)
How to Enjoy
Neat in a tulip glass, given time in the pour — at 52.2% a few drops of water will lift the lemon curd and red fruit. A contemplative dram, not a mixer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Aberfeldy Exceptional Cask Series? A series of rare, limited single-cask, double-cask and small-batch single malts hand-selected by Malt Master Stephanie Macleod, outside the distillery's core range.
How long was this whisky finished in wine casks? Just over two years — it was filled in 1996, moved into Languedoc Roussillon red wine casks in September 2021, and bottled in November 2023 at 26 years old.
What is the ABV and size? 52.2% ABV (104.4 proof), 700mL — bottled at full strength for the series.
How was it rated? Whisky Advocate scored this bottling 93 points in its Fall 2025 reviews.
Twenty-six years, a two-year French wine finish, and one of the highest-rated Aberfeldys ever bottled — collectors can order it online through Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.