Fettercairn 29 Years Old 1988 No. 75 (Maltbarn)

A 29 year old Fettercairn from the bottler Maltbarn, distilled in 1988, bottled at 48.9%, one of 154 bottles. Fettercairn is a fruity Highland single malt made at one of Scotland's oldest licensed distilleries, founded in 1824. It uses unpeated malt and matures mostly in American oak ex-Bourbon casks.

The spirit was distilled from unpeated malt in stills cooled by their copper rings, building the tropical Fettercairn style. First fill bourbon gave a fuller vanilla and a touch of coconut from the lactones. At this evaporative stage ellagitannins lend a drying structure while oxidation builds a richer, coffee tinged fruit. The light, fruity make takes cask flavour well while keeping its pineapple and citrus. The cooling rings give a light spirit, so the cask brings depth over the years. A Scottish oak project has planted thousands of native oak saplings beside the distillery.

Bottled at a cask strength 48.9%, it is rich. Pineapple, pear and a creamy vanilla, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Beneath it run pineapple, citrus and a soft vanilla. It finishes long, fruity and clean. This is Fettercairn's pineapple led Highland style.