Fettercairn 15 Years Old 2004 Cask #DL 13708 (Old Particular)

This Fettercairn was bottled by the Glasgow bottler Douglas Laing, a 15 year old, distilled in 2004, from cask DL 13708, bottled at 48.4%, one of 355 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.

The spirit was worked through the cooling ring stills for a clean, fruity make, giving the light, pineapple led Highland spirit. A refill bourbon hogshead held it, keeping the light, tropical character to the fore. At oxidative maturity vanillin and lactones are fully expressed, the fruit deepening over a soft spice. Refill oak lets the light, tropical Fettercairn character lead the way. The clean, fruity spirit shows the cask clearly, vanilla and fruit to the fore. John Gladstone's son William became Prime Minister and reformed the taxation of whisky.

At 48.4%, undiluted, it is deep and tropical. A light, tropical sweetness, with a soft vanilla from the oak. A baked pineapple and a gentle spice lift it. The close is light and warming, fruit over a gentle oak. This is the cooling ring malt of the Mearns.