Fettercairn 24 Years Old 1993 (Authentic Collection)

A Fettercairn of a 24 year old chosen by the Campbeltown house Cadenhead, distilled in 1993, bottled at 51.5%, one of 198 bottles. Fettercairn is a Highland single malt from Whyte and Mackay, known for pineapple and tropical fruit. The cooling rings raise reflux and copper contact, so only the lightest vapours rise, for a tropical spirit.

Made on mountain water with the stills drenched in cold water, building the tropical Fettercairn style. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, oak lactones lending vanilla and a little coconut. At this evaporative stage ellagitannins lend a drying structure while oxidation builds a richer, coffee tinged fruit. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and coconut over the fruit. American oak suits the tropical make, lending vanilla and coconut over the fruit. It was the second distillery licensed in Scotland after the Excise Act of 1823.

At a natural 51.5% it is full and fruity. A bright, tropical orchard fruit, with a soft vanilla from the oak. A dried fruit and a soft oak give it depth. The finish is rounded, tropical and gently spiced. This is a tropical Highland malt from the foot of the mountains.