Fettercairn 17 Years Old 2007 Chairman’s Stock (Cadenhead’s)

A 17 year old Fettercairn from the Campbeltown house Cadenhead, distilled in 2007, bottled at 54.8%, one of 240 bottles. Fettercairn is a fruity Highland malt made on mountain water under the Grampian foothills. After Ramsay lost his fortune, the Fasque estate passed to the Gladstone family in 1829.

The spirit was run through the water cooled stills for a light, tropical make, giving the light, pineapple led Highland spirit. It was matured in a Rum cask, the wood working into the fruity malt. At oxidative maturity aldehydes lend a nutty edge while ellagitannins add a gentle, drying grip over the fruit. American oak suits the tropical make, lending vanilla and coconut over the fruit. Mountain spring water and the cooling rings give the tropical Fettercairn make. It uses unpeated malt and matures mostly in American oak ex-Bourbon casks.

At a hearty 54.8% it carries real weight. Pineapple, pear and a creamy vanilla, with a soft brown sugar and a tropical lift from the cask. Beneath it run pineapple, citrus and a soft vanilla. Citrus, fruit and a soft oak see out the finish. This is Fettercairn's pineapple led Highland style.