Fettercairn 10 Years Old 2011 Cask #800355 (Best Dram)

This Fettercairn was bottled by Best Dram, a 10 year old, distilled in 2011, from cask 800355, bottled at 54.6%, one of 220 bottles. Fettercairn is a Highland malt of pineapple and citrus, distilled at the foot of the mountains. After Ramsay lost his fortune, the Fasque estate passed to the Gladstone family in 1829.

Made on mountain water with the stills drenched in cold water, for a clean make of pineapple and citrus. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, oak lactones lending vanilla and a little coconut. Integration folds eugenol (clove) and vanillin (vanilla) into the fruit, the body softer and fuller. Refill oak lets the light, tropical Fettercairn character lead the way. Its make matures on site in dunnage warehouses, around thirty two thousand casks in all. American oak suits the tropical make, lending vanilla and coconut over the fruit. The clean, fruity spirit shows the cask clearly, vanilla and fruit to the fore.

At a natural 54.6% it is full and fruity. Pineapple, mango and a gentle honey, with a soft vanilla from the oak. A dried fruit and a soft oak give it depth. A long, fruity finish carries a tropical fruit and a soft spice. This is the light, fruit driven malt of Fettercairn.