Fettercairn 29 Years Old 1988 Cask #2038 (Signatory)

This Fettercairn was bottled by the Pitlochry bottler Signatory Vintage, a 29 year old, distilled in 1988, from cask 2038, bottled at 57.4%, one of 276 bottles. Fettercairn is a Highland single malt whose tropical character comes from water cooled stills. In 2018 the distillery relaunched with a new core range under maker Gregg Glass.

It was drawn off the stills, the cooling rings raising reflux for a fruity spirit, giving the light, pineapple led Highland spirit. Ex-Bourbon casks held it, the American oak letting the fruit lead. In the oxidative, evaporative years concentration brings dried tropical fruit, a roasted coffee and a soft spice. American oak suits the tropical make, lending vanilla and coconut over the fruit. Maturation on site in the Fettercairn dunnage warehouses is slow and steady. It has been owned by Whyte and Mackay since 1973.

Bottled at a cask strength 57.4%, it is rich. Pineapple, mango and a gentle honey, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Beneath it run pineapple, citrus and a soft vanilla. The close is light and warming, fruit over a gentle oak. This is Fettercairn's pineapple led Highland style.