Fettercairn 10 Years Old (43%)

This official Fettercairn, a 10 year old, at 43%. Fettercairn is a fruity Highland single malt made at one of Scotland's oldest licensed distilleries, founded in 1824. John Gladstone's son William became Prime Minister and reformed the taxation of whisky.

Run through the water cooled stills for a light, tropical make, for a clean make of pineapple and citrus. First fill bourbon gave a fuller vanilla and a touch of coconut from the lactones. By the integrating teens congeners fade and esters build, the tropical, fruity spirit growing rounder. Active wood frames the fruit without overwhelming the light Highland spirit. In 2018 the distillery relaunched with a new core range under maker Gregg Glass. It has been owned by Whyte and Mackay since 1973. Its make matures on site in dunnage warehouses, around thirty two thousand casks in all. Refill oak lets the light, tropical Fettercairn character lead the way.

At 43% it is smooth and fruity. A clean, fruity sweetness, with a soft vanilla from the oak. It is fruity and tropical, the light spirit shining through. The finish is rounded, tropical and gently spiced. This is a Highland single malt of real character.