Fettercairn 17 Years Old 2007 Cask #17602205 (Connoisseurs Choice)

From the Elgin house Gordon and MacPhail, a 17 year old Fettercairn, distilled in 2007, from cask 17602205, bottled at 58.4%, one of 299 bottles. Fettercairn is a fruity Highland single malt made at one of Scotland's oldest licensed distilleries, founded in 1824. Its water comes from springs in the Grampian and Cairngorm mountains above the distillery.

It was run through the water cooled stills for a light, tropical make, the cooling rings lifting a clean, tropical character. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, oak lactones lending vanilla and a little coconut. At oxidative maturity aldehydes lend a nutty edge while ellagitannins add a gentle, drying grip over the fruit. The cooling rings give a light spirit, so the cask brings depth over the years. The light, fruity make takes cask flavour well while keeping its pineapple and citrus. The water cooled stills give a light spirit that ages with grace.

At cask strength 58.4% it is full bodied. A bright, tropical orchard fruit, with a soft vanilla from the oak. A baked pineapple and a gentle spice lift it. The finish is long, fruity and gently spiced. This is a tropical Highland malt from the foot of the mountains.