Fettercairn 28 Years Old 1988 The Birds (Antique Lions of Spirits)

The bottler Antique Lions of Spirits bottled this Fettercairn, a 28 year old, distilled in 1988, bottled at 50.6%, one of 292 bottles. Fettercairn is a Highland single malt from the foot of the Cairngorms in Aberdeenshire, known for its tropical fruit style. Its stills carry unique cooling rings, copper tubes that drench them in cold mountain water.

It was distilled slow and light for the tropical Fettercairn style, for a light, fruit driven spirit. An ex-Bourbon barrel shaped it, vanillin lending vanilla under the pineapple. In the oxidative, evaporative years concentration brings dried tropical fruit, a roasted coffee and a soft spice. Refill oak lets the light, tropical Fettercairn character lead the way. It has been owned by Whyte and Mackay since 1973. A Scottish oak project has planted thousands of native oak saplings beside the distillery. Active wood frames the fruit without overwhelming the light Highland spirit.

At a hearty 50.6% it carries real weight. A clean, fruity sweetness, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Soft tropical fruit and a vanilla sit behind the cask. It finishes long, fruity and clean. This is Fettercairn's pineapple led Highland style.