Aberfeldy: The Highland distillery where Dewar heritage meets golden single malt
Aberfeldy Distillery was founded in 1896 by brothers John Alexander and Tommy Dewar. Just two years later, the first new-make rolled out of the copper stills, and since then, the distillery under John Dewar & Sons has delivered a golden, honey-soft malt that is now the core of both Dewar's blend and Aberfeldy's own award-winning bottlings.
The story behind the distillery
By the turn of the century, Dewar's was already a world-renowned blend. The brothers therefore wanted a "home" for their malt, and the choice fell on Aberfeldy on the River Tay in the central Highlands . In 1972, the pair of stills was expanded to four, and in 1999 the first official 12 Year Old was released. Since then, the portfolio has grown with 16- and 21-year-old versions as well as experimental finishes in Madeira and wine casks.
Production and craftsmanship
The source of the flavour is the Pitilie Burn , a stream that filters through granite and heathland. The malted barley is mash in a modern semi-lauter tun, fermented in traditional larch vats and slowly distilled in tall, swan-necked pot stills. The gentle distillation produces a bold, aromatic distillate with notes of heather honey, ripe apples and a hint of cinnamon. Aged in ex-bourbon casks, the distinctive “Golden Dram” emerges, which is the distillery’s nickname for its single malt.
Location and surroundings
The town of Aberfeldy is located in the heart of Scotland’s picturesque Perthshire, surrounded by rolling hills and deep forests. The cool, damp climate creates ideal maturing conditions – never too hot, never too cold – so the casks breathe freely all year round. When you open the doors to the warehouses, you are greeted by the scent of English oak, vanilla and “angels’ share” whisky mushrooms.
Visits and experiences
The distillery welcomes visitors all year round with guided tours that follow the grain's journey from golden grain to golden dram. Interactive tasting sessions explore the honeyed house style, while the Dewar's Heritage Centre tells the story of global whisky exports from the 19th century to the present. Read more on the official Aberfeldy Distillery website .
- How to visit the distillery? – Book a tour online or buy a ticket at the visitor centre; train to Pitlochry + local bus will bring you almost to the door.
- What characterizes Aberfeldy whisky? – Smooth, honeyed profile with citrus, malt and light spice, produced by slow distillation and Highland water.
- When was the distillery founded? – 1896, with the first distillation in 1898.
- What types of whisky are produced? – The core range 12 yo, 16 yo, 21 yo as well as limited finishes and cask strength boutique editions.
- Can you fill your own bottle? – Yes, the visitor center offers “Fill Your Own” directly from the single cask.
