Fettercairn 22 Years Old 1993 Wood Range Sherry Cask (Cadenhead’s)

A Fettercairn of a 22 year old chosen by the Campbeltown house Cadenhead, distilled in 1993, bottled at 53.7%, one of 210 bottles. Fettercairn is a light, tropical Highland malt distilled in the Howe of the Mearns since 1824. The cooling rings raise reflux and copper contact, so only the lightest vapours rise, for a tropical spirit.

It was drawn off the stills, the cooling rings raising reflux for a fruity spirit, giving the light, pineapple led Highland spirit. It was matured in an Oloroso cask, the wood working into the fruity malt. Through the evaporative decades the spirit concentrates, esters folding into dried mango, coffee and beeswax. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and coconut over the fruit. In 2018 the distillery relaunched with a new core range under maker Gregg Glass. Its water comes from springs in the Grampian and Cairngorm mountains above the distillery.

At cask strength 53.7% it is full bodied. Pineapple, mango and a gentle honey, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. Mango, citrus and a creamy vanilla fill the middle. The finish is long, fruity and gently spiced. This is Fettercairn, one of Scotland's oldest licensed distilleries.