James Wright, Managing Director at Aber Falls Whisky Distillery, said: “We are thrilled to release a our 2021 Welsh Single Malt whisky, following the successful inaugural release earlier in the year, which saw 2,000 bottles sell out in just 40 minutes! We’re a distillery that proudly produces 100% Welsh whisky, capturing the Welsh craft and heritage in every bottle. As a result, our products are extremely sustainable, enabling us to benefit Wales at every stage of production, including returning any waste ingredients to local farms for use as fertiliser or cattle feed. McCallum commented on the Aber Falls 2021 release : “The perfect whisky is made up of exceptional ingredients, ideal conditions and well considered casks made of top-quality wood. In particular, the two sherry casks used for this single malt have provided a very enjoyable flavour that we’re incredibly proud of.” The 6,000-square-meter building has stood since the 19th century, opening initially as a slate works, before it became a margarine factory during the world wars. More recently it was a drinks wholesaler depot for Halewood International, and it was the Liverpool-based drinks conglomerate who reimagined the space and subsequently set in motion plans for refurbishment and restoration in 2017. Further developments are currently underway, and a visitor centre will open in 2018 offering tours and classes.

The vast majority of Halewood’s other brands do get bottled at the minimum 40%, but I was expecting something different from their own distillery. I really hope that offering a higher ABV, unchill filtered, natural colour option for the ever-growing enthusiast sector of the market remains in their plans.

The 2021 expression was distilled in a mix of copper pot and stainless-steel stills and includes a mix of Oloroso sherry casks, PX sherry casks, Bourbon casks and Virgin Oak casks for a totally unique flavour. Deep amber gold in colour, this Single Malt gives an aroma of sweet fruits with a hint of clove and delivers a rich and full-bodied palate, with sweet sherry notes, dark chocolate and espresso. It stimulates a long and lingering finish of dried fruit and subtle spice.

I have noticed a few people on social media have reservations about Aber Falls based on some of those whiskies, particularly The Pogues and Peaky Blinder, which appear to sell themselves based on the name of an Irish Celtic punk band, and a popular TV show, rather than the quality of the contents. However, it is important to realise that these whiskies don’t target the enthusiast market, and their success has enabled Halewood to spend millions creating this distillery. They have also opened a distillery in Edinburgh, which will produce single malt for the John Crabbie & Co brand. Whiskybase B.V. is the Dutch private limited liability company, having its statutory seat in Rotterdam, The Netherlands and its office at Zwaanshals 530, 3035 KS Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Whiskybase B.V. is registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce under no. 52072819.

Nothing in the Terms shall exclude or limit our liability for fraudulent misrepresentation or for death or personal injury resulting from gross negligence or willful misconduct by us. Each and every Member must be of legal drinking age in its country of residence to be allowed to use the Service. If no such law exists in a Member’s country of residence, the Member has to be over 21 years old to use the Service. We have the right to ask you to provide proof of your age and/or to provide further identification to prevent underage usage and/or for any other legal or legitimate purpose. By using the Service, and by creating an account you represent, warrant and confirm that you are of legal age. Aber Falls whisky is now available and you can sample premium range of small batch, handcrafted gins and liqueurs the distillery has released so far - such as Aber Falls Salted Toffee Liqueur and Aber Falls Orange Marmalade Gin.

On the nose: This is big. A rather powerful hit of sweet candied orange from those wine casks, as well as tropical passion fruit and mango in abundance. Rich toffee and butterscotch, along with raisins and dates. There’s a hint of coffee, grassy silage and a little rosemary.

Good to know

We may sell, license, transfer, assign or in any other way dispose of the Service (including Members) to any third party without any notification to you, e.g. (but without limitation) in connection with any reorganization, restructuring, merger or sale, or other transfer of assets. I am constantly conflicted, and even hypocritical at times when it comes to young whisky. I still believe there is no substitute for a longer maturation in quality casks, and I will maintain that stance… but then, something like this comes along and makes me think again. The selection of casks and the use of virgin wood has helped make a really flavourful whisky in a short space of time. I have been impressed with a number of young releases from new distilleries; this is another one. With an abundance of newcomers releasing their first whiskies in recent years, it is important to stand out or risk being left behind. As part of this exciting release, Aber Falls has also partnered with Welsh bartender, Alex Mills, to create a signature serve: an Old Fashioned, but with a Welsh twist. We are incredibly proud to be able to share this wonderful whisky with more people, with this latest release.” The Aber Falls set-up is an interesting one with a mixture of copper pot and stainless steel stills. The 2021 release was then matured in a mix of ex-Oloroso and PX sherry casks, ex-bourbon casks, and virgin oak casks, before diluting with local spring water and bottling at 40% ABV. It’s a little more conventional than the inaugural release which included ageing in orange wine casks – yes, wine made from oranges.