Fettercairn 15 Years Old 2006 Cask #KI-0002 (Kirsch Import)

The bottler Kirsch Import bottled this Fettercairn, a 15 year old, distilled in 2006, from cask KI-0002, bottled at 53%. 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 run through the water cooled stills for a light, tropical make, for the tropical, fruity make Fettercairn is known for. First fill bourbon gave a fuller vanilla and a touch of coconut from the lactones. At oxidative maturity aldehydes lend a nutty edge while ellagitannins add a gentle, drying grip over the fruit. The clean, fruity spirit shows the cask clearly, vanilla and fruit to the fore. In 2018 the distillery relaunched with a new core range under maker Gregg Glass. It has been owned by Whyte and Mackay since 1973. American oak suits the tropical make, lending vanilla and coconut over the fruit.

At cask strength 53% it is full bodied. A light, tropical sweetness, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Beneath it run pineapple, citrus and a soft vanilla. The finish runs long, tropical and warming. This is the cooling ring malt of the Mearns.