Aberfeldy Scotch Whisky
“Whisky and freedom gang thegither.”
(Whisky and freedom go together) — Robert Burns
Aberfeldy Scotch whisky is closely tied to the history of the Dewar family and the lush Highland landscape of central Scotland. The distillery, established in the late 19th century, carries a legacy that bridges craftsmanship, innovation, and local heritage.
The Origins of Aberfeldy Distillery
Founded: 1896
Founders: John Dewar & Sons, specifically John Alexander Dewar and his brother Tommy Dewar
Location: Aberfeldy, Perthshire, Scotland – nestled on the banks of the Pitilie Burn, known for its pure water source
John Dewar had founded his wine and spirits business in 1846 in Perth, but it was his sons who expanded the brand globally. Recognizing the growing demand for their signature blend—Dewar’s Scotch Whisky—they decided to build their own distillery to ensure a reliable source of quality malt whisky.
A Highland Legacy
Aberfeldy Distillery was constructed near the birthplace of John Dewar, in the heart of Highland Perthshire. The site was chosen not only for sentimental reasons but also for its access to the Pitilie Burn, whose mineral-rich waters continue to be a vital part of Aberfeldy whisky’s character.
The distillery opened in 1898 and quickly became the core single malt component in Dewar’s Blended Scotch, prized for its honeyed richness and smooth finish.
Surviving War and Industry Changes
Like many Scotch distilleries, Aberfeldy faced challenges:
World Wars: Production was halted during both WWI and WWII due to grain rationing.
Ownership Changes: Though originally independent, Aberfeldy became part of Distillers Company Limited (DCL) and was later sold during a wave of industry consolidation.
In 1998, Dewar’s (and Aberfeldy) became part of Bacardi Limited, which has since invested significantly in restoring and expanding the brand’s presence.
The Return of the Single Malt
Although Aberfeldy was primarily used in blends for much of the 20th century, a revival of interest in single malts led to the launch of Aberfeldy as a standalone brand in the late 1990s. It is now recognized as a premium Highland malt, celebrated for its approachable, honeyed flavor profile.
Flagship expressions include:
Aberfeldy 12 Year Old
Aberfeldy 16 Year Old
Aberfeldy 21 Year Old
The distillery also began releasing limited editions and finishes (such as Madeira and French red wine cask finishes), appealing to modern whisky enthusiasts.
The Dewar’s World of Whisky
In 2000, the Dewar’s World of Whisky visitor center opened at Aberfeldy Distillery. It showcases the history of both Dewar’s and Aberfeldy whisky through interactive exhibits, tours, and tastings. This has turned the distillery into both a production site and a cultural landmark.
Character of the Whisky
Aberfeldy single malts are known for:
A honeyed sweetness, sometimes called “the golden dram”
Notes of heather, spice, citrus, and dried fruit
A soft, creamy mouthfeel with gentle Highland elegance
The use of long fermentation and copper pot stills contributes to its signature smoothness and rich texture.
Legacy and Importance
Today, Aberfeldy is:
The heart malt of Dewar’s blended Scotch, one of the world’s best-selling blends
A respected Highland single malt brand in its own right
A historic site with over 125 years of continuous whisky production
