Only 635 bottles of the newDistiller's Cut whiskey from Aber Falls Distillery in Abergwyngregyn will be sold at the facility's visitor centre beginning on May 29.
Crafted from a solitary sauternes cask, this single malt whisky possesses a unique and delicately golden hue. The exclusive distiller's cut unveils a delightful medley of flavours, including luscious grape, velvety toffee, indulgent syrup, and creamy berries, complemented by subtle nuances of nuttiness and the richness of oak. With its enduring and captivating sweetness from the fruits, this limited-edition expression exemplifies the distinct traits that contribute to the remarkable character of Aber Falls' Single Malt Whisky.
“This is the first Distiller’s Cut released in 2023, and we’re very excited for consumers to experience this unique liquid. Thanks to being a Welsh distillery, we are truly able to experiment with flavours.” ~ Dr Kirstie McCallum, master blender at Aber Falls Distillery
The Aber Falls Distiller's Cut single malt whisky, with an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 47%, will be released for purchase starting May 29th at the Aber Falls Visitor Centre, priced at £75 (RRP).
What Are Sauternes Casks?
Sauternes casks refer to oak barrels that were previously used for ageing Sauternes wine, a renowned sweet white wine produced in the Sauternes region of Bordeaux, France. These casks are known for imparting distinct flavours and characteristics to spirits that are aged or finished in them, particularly whiskies.
When whisky is aged or finished in Sauternes casks, it undergoes a process known as cask maturation, where it absorbs the flavours and aromas present in the cask. The Sauternes casks contribute sweet, fruity, and floral notes to the whisky, along with a luscious richness and complexity. The residual sugars and botrytis influence (a noble rot that affects the grapes used for Sauternes wine) in the casks can add honeyed, apricot, peach, and tropical fruit flavours to the whisky, creating a unique flavour profile.
Sauternes cask maturation is often used by distilleries as a finishing technique, where the whisky spends a period of time in these casks after its initial maturation in traditional whisky barrels (such as bourbon or sherry casks). This additional ageing in Sauternes casks allows the whisky to develop new layers of flavour and enhance its overall character.
The use of Sauternes casks in whisky production offers whisky enthusiasts a chance to explore a different dimension of flavours and enjoy the harmonious marriage of sweet wine and whisky. It is a technique that adds complexity and depth to the final product, providing a delightful experience for those who appreciate the unique characteristics that Sauternes casks bring to the whisky maturation process.
About Aber Falls
Aber Falls is a distillery located in Abergwyngregyn, North Wales. It is known for producing a range of premium spirits, including whisky, gin, and liqueurs. The distillery takes its name from the nearby Aber Falls waterfall, which provides a scenic backdrop for the production site.
Aber Falls Distillery has a strong commitment to quality and craftsmanship. They carefully select the finest ingredients and use traditional production methods to create their spirits. The distillery's whisky production involves the use of copper pot stills and maturation in a variety of cask types to develop unique flavours and profiles.
One of the notable products from Aber Falls is their single malt Welsh whisky. It is crafted using locally grown barley and pure mountain water sourced from the Aber Falls waterfall. The whisky undergoes a meticulous production process, including fermentation, distillation, and ageing, resulting in a smooth and flavorful spirit.
In addition to whisky, Aber Falls produces a range of handcrafted gins, featuring botanicals sourced from the local area. These gins showcase the diverse flavours of North Wales and have gained recognition for their quality and taste.
Aber Falls Distillery welcomes visitors to experience their site through guided tours, where guests can learn about the production process and sample their range of spirits. The distillery's commitment to quality, local ingredients, and the beautiful surroundings make Aber Falls a notable player in the Welsh spirits industry.
