Aberfeldy 39 Year Exceptional Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Aberfeldy Exceptional Cask Series Single Cask 39 Year Old (101.6 Proof) is an extraordinary Highland single malt drawn from a single barrel and matured for nearly four decades. Bottled at cask strength, it showcases the distillery’s hallmark honeyed character elevated by profound depth and complexity from long aging. Rare and highly collectible, this whisky delivers layers of heather honey, citrus peel, floral nuance, and polished oak—an elegant yet powerful expression that represents the pinnacle of Aberfeldy’s Exceptional Cask Series.

Origins & Craftsmanship
Aberfeldy Distillery sits in the Highlands of Scotland near Pitilie Burn in Perthshire and is historically known as the “Golden Dram” distillery, producing the signature single malt used in Dewar’s blended Scotch. The Exceptional Cask Series represents the distillery’s most limited and prestigious releases, highlighting unique single casks selected for extraordinary character.

The 39 Year Old Exceptional Cask Series expression comes from a single refill puncheon cask, carefully monitored for decades before being deemed ready for bottling. After almost 40 years of maturation, the whisky was bottled at 50.8% ABV (101.6 proof) at natural cask strength.

Only a very small number of bottles were produced—approximately 222 bottles worldwide, making it one of the rarest Aberfeldy releases available.

Key production highlights:

• Age: 39 years

• Series: Exceptional Cask Series (Single Cask)

• Cask Type: Refill puncheon

• ABV: 50.8% (101.6 proof)

• Production: ~222 bottles worldwide

The refill cask allowed the spirit itself—rather than heavy oak influence—to dominate the flavor profile, preserving Aberfeldy’s distinctive honeyed Highland style while adding decades of subtle wood complexity.

Critics Reviews
The 39-year-old expression has received strong acclaim from whisky writers and reviewers for its exceptional maturity and balance.

• Forbes described the 39-year release as a whisky of remarkable distinction, highlighting its complexity and craftsmanship among high-age single malts.

Because each Exceptional Cask release is bottled in extremely small quantities, formal numeric critic scores are limited, but the whisky has been widely praised for its rarity and depth.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Elegant and complex with heather honey, orange zest, summer flowers, and soft vanilla, layered with polished oak and gentle spice.

Palate:
Silky and rich with honeyed malt, toasted almonds, citrus peel, and subtle caramel, balanced by delicate oak structure and floral sweetness.

Finish:
Exceptionally long and refined with lingering honeycomb, spice, and dried fruit, fading slowly with graceful warmth.

Quick Overview

Cocktail Recipes

This rare whisky is best enjoyed neat or with a few drops of water to unlock its layered aromas.

Highland Heritage Dram

• 2 oz Aberfeldy 39 Year Exceptional Cask

• A few drops of spring water (optional)

Serve in a tulip glass to fully appreciate the aroma and complexity.

Elegant Highland Old Fashioned

• 2 oz Aberfeldy 39 Year Old

• ¼ oz demerara syrup

• 2 dashes aromatic bitters

Stir with ice and strain over a large cube with an orange peel.