Fettercairn 18 Years Old 2004 Cask #DL 18146 (Old Particular)

From the Glasgow bottler Douglas Laing, an 18 year old Fettercairn, distilled in 2004, from cask DL 18146, bottled at 48.4%, one of 290 bottles. Fettercairn is a fruity Highland malt made on mountain water under the Grampian foothills. In 2018 the distillery relaunched with a new core range under maker Gregg Glass.

It was distilled slow and light for the tropical Fettercairn style, for a clean make of pineapple and citrus. It was matured in an Oloroso 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. The light, fruity make takes cask flavour well while keeping its pineapple and citrus. The cool Highland air of the Mearns gives a slow, even maturation in the dunnage warehouses. Refill oak lets the light, tropical Fettercairn character lead the way.

At a hearty 48.4% it carries real weight. A clean, fruity sweetness, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. Mango, citrus and a creamy vanilla fill the middle. The finish is rounded, tropical and gently spiced. This is a light, tropical Highland single malt.