Fettercairn 30 Years Old 1988 Cask #2035 + 2041 (Signatory)

A 30 year old Fettercairn from the Pitlochry bottler Signatory Vintage, distilled in 1988, from cask 2035 + 2041, bottled at 54.5%, one of 403 bottles. Fettercairn is a light, tropical Highland malt distilled in the Howe of the Mearns since 1824. A Scottish oak project has planted thousands of native oak saplings beside the distillery.

It was made on mountain water with the stills drenched in cold water, building the tropical Fettercairn style. An ex-Bourbon barrel shaped it, vanillin lending vanilla under the pineapple. At a great, fragile age oxidation rules, sotolon lending maple and dried fig as beeswax and a roasted coffee linger. Maturation on site in the Fettercairn dunnage warehouses is slow and steady. A gentle maturation suits the light make, the tropical fruit growing richer with time. In 2018 the distillery relaunched with a new core range under maker Gregg Glass.

At a natural 54.5% it is full and fruity. Pineapple, mango and a gentle honey, with a soft vanilla from the oak. The mouthfeel is clean, the fruit carried on a light body. The finish is rounded, tropical and gently spiced. This is a Highland single malt of real character.