Fettercairn 15 Years Old 2009 Cask #TLM124 (The Liquid Madness)

A Fettercairn of a 15 year old chosen by the bottler The Liquid Madness, distilled in 2009, from cask TLM124, bottled at 52.7%, one of 107 bottles. Fettercairn is a light, tropical Highland malt distilled in the Howe of the Mearns since 1824. It has been owned by Whyte and Mackay since 1973.

The spirit was distilled from unpeated malt in stills cooled by their copper rings, for a clean make of pineapple and citrus. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, a soft vanilla beneath the tropical fruit. Into oxidative maturity, slow air ingress builds fruity ethyl esters (pineapple and pear) and a honeyed depth. American oak suits the tropical make, lending vanilla and coconut over the fruit. The cool Highland air of the Mearns gives a slow, even maturation in the dunnage warehouses. Active wood frames the fruit without overwhelming the light Highland spirit. A gentle maturation suits the light make, the tropical fruit growing richer with time.

At its natural 52.7% it is concentrated. A light, tropical sweetness, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Mango, citrus and a creamy vanilla fill the middle. It finishes long, fruity and clean. This is a fruity, tropical Highland single malt.