Aberfeldy whisky distillery, on the edge of Highland Perthshire, steeped in tradition, yet only known to connoisseurs and a few fortunate travelers.

Established on the south bank of the river Tay, approximately 1/2 mile east, along the A827 from the town of Aberfeldy (Ah-bur-fell-dee).

The Aberfeldy distillery house style is a soft fruity creamy whisky. The malt whisky produced is at the heart of Dewar’s blends.

How the Aberfeldy story began

Construction of the Aberfeldy distillery was started in 1896 by John Dewar & Sons Ltd.

Close to the old Pitille Distillery (1825-1867)

Aberfeldy Distillery went into production in 1898.

The distillery was closed during the 1917-19 downturn.

Subsequently purchased by DCL in 1925 then transferred to Scottish Malt Distillers in 1930.

The floor maltings ceased during the distillery reconstruction with an extra pair of stills added during 1972.

Initially only available as a single malt in Diageo’s Flora & Fauna Range during the early 1990s as a 15 year old

In 1998 John Dewar & Sons Ltd along with the Aberfeldy, Aultmore, Craigallachie, Macduff, Royal Brackla distilleries was purchased by Barcardi Ltd from Diageo PLC.

In 1999 The Aberfeldy 12 year old Single Malt whisky is launched as the finest creation of the entrepreneurial Dewar Brothers. Reserved for years as the heart of Dewar’s White label,

2000 The visitor centre is designed with the main exhibition area set as a number of ‘scenes’ from Dewar’s history and looks forward to the future of the industry. There is an audio-visual theatre, restaurant area and a ‘Nosing & Tasting Bar’ where visitors can taste their own blend.

In 2005 the 25 year old is replaced with a 21 year old bottling.

Two 18 year old single casks are released in 2009.

During 2014 Dewar’s launch the “Last Great Malts” range consisting  a 12, 21 year old single malts. Plus a 21 year old for the duty free market.

The “Last Great Malts” are a range of single malt whiskies taken from Dewars Aberfeldy, Aultmore, Craigallachie, Macduff, Royal Brackla distilleries.

The following year an 16 year old single malt joins the portfolio.

Aberfeldy Whisky Distillery

Founded in 1896 by John Dewar & Sons Ltd.

Location; Highland region, Western Perthshire.

Water source;The Pitilie Burn.

Major component of Dewar’s blends.

Aberfeldy Distilling Equipment;

7.5 Tonne Stainless steel mash tun.

8 Siberian larch washbacks, 3 stainless steel washbacks. Fermentaion time 70 hours.

4 Bulbous pot stills, Now uses a Biomass boiler for heating the stills.

Matured in Spanish sherry and American oak bourbon casks.

Aberfeldy combines the fresh spring water of the Pitile Burn with the skill of generations of craftsmen to produce an out standing single malt whisky renowned for its heather honey softness and full body. This is a soft fruity creamy whisky.

Take a tour of the Aberfeldy Whisky Distillery

The Aberfeldy Whisky Distillery visitors centre is well worth a visit and regularly run guided tours of the distillery throughout the course of the day. A number of the tours include tasting sessions where you can sample some of the drams they have to offer.