Fettercairn 13 Years Old (Original Collection)

A 13 year old Fettercairn from the Campbeltown house Cadenhead, bottled at 46%. Fettercairn is a Highland malt of pineapple and citrus, distilled at the foot of the mountains. It uses unpeated malt and matures mostly in American oak ex-Bourbon casks.

The spirit was worked through the cooling ring stills for a clean, fruity make, for a light, fruit driven spirit. A Port cask held it, shaping the light spirit over the years. In integration lactones (coconut) and vanillin (vanilla) knit with the spirit, the pineapple deepening to a mango. Active wood frames the fruit without overwhelming the light Highland spirit. American oak suits the tropical make, lending vanilla and coconut over the fruit. The cooling rings raise reflux and copper contact, so only the lightest vapours rise, for a tropical spirit. The water cooled stills give a light spirit that ages with grace.

Bottled at 46%, it is rounded. Mango, citrus and a soft honey, with red berry, plum and a dry spice from the cask. The mouthfeel is clean, the fruit carried on a light body. The close is light and warming, fruit over a gentle oak. This is Fettercairn, one of Scotland's oldest licensed distilleries.