Bacardi Global Travel Retail (GTR) has released its Aberfeldy Madeira Cask series, a refreshed range of Aberfeldy single malts with a focus on madeira cask maturation. 

The launch marks a return to 70cl formats for the brand, as well as a focus on the environment. Each bottle and pack is fully recyclable and plastic free. 

Featuring intricate gold foil and embossed detailing, Aberfeldy said the range shows its commitment to combining premiumisation and sustainability

The refresh range spans Aberfeldy 12 Year Old Madeira Cask (US$58), Aberfeldy 16 Year Old Madeira Cask (US$120), and Aberfeldy 21 Year Old Madeira Cask (US$230). 

Given tasting notes for Aberfeldy 12 Year Old Madeira Cask include vanilla, spiced fruits and honey. The 16-year-old expression is said to offer citrus, baked apple, warming cinnamon and creamy vanilla. 

Meanwhile, Aberfeldy 21 Year Old Madeira Cask has given notes of figs, honey, walnut oil and dark chocolate. 

Aberfeldy’s history dates back to 1896 when it was founded in Scotland’s Tay Valley by John Dewar & Sons. 

Aberfeldy Madeira Cask: ‘Outstanding flavours’

Malt Master Stephanie Macleod says she believes the fortified wine complements the Aberfeldy distillery character. It marks a move away from the sherry and bourbon casks used in the prior GTR range.  

Madeira gets its flavour profile from the heating and cooling used in its ageing process. In addition, casks are typically only half-filled to increase the liquid’s exposure to oxygen. 

“Madeira is Aberfeldy’s best friend,” said Macleod. “This delicious wine perfectly complements Aberfeldy’s  rich character. 

“Aberfeldy is both approachable and complex and has the same sweet rich notes that Madeira wine is famed for. 

“By finishing in Madeira casks, this new travel-retail range gives consumers a point of difference while retaining Aberfeldy’s signature smooth taste.”

Bacardi Global Travel Retail Global Head of Marketing Ignacio Vazquez added: “We have created the new Aberfeldy GTR Madeira Cask range for the many whisky lovers and collectors in the know who come to travel retail to seek out new discoveries.  

“Exclusivity has become an even more important purchase driver in travel-retail since the pandemic, and the outstanding flavours in these whiskies personify Aberfeldy’s affinity with Madeira wine casks.”

Earlier this summer, Bacardi GTR created a pair of 25 Year-Old Aberfeldy single malts exclusively for China Duty Free Group.