Fettercairn 29 Years Old 1988 (The Whisky Agency)

A Fettercairn of a 29 year old chosen by the German bottler The Whisky Agency, distilled in 1988, bottled at 48.9%. Fettercairn is a Highland single malt from the foot of the Cairngorms in Aberdeenshire, known for its tropical fruit style. It was the second distillery licensed in Scotland after the Excise Act of 1823.

The spirit was run through the water cooled stills for a light, tropical make, for a clean make of pineapple and citrus. First fill bourbon gave a fuller vanilla and a touch of coconut from the lactones. Through the evaporative decades the spirit concentrates, esters folding into dried mango, coffee and beeswax. The light, fruity make takes cask flavour well while keeping its pineapple and citrus. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and coconut over the fruit. The cooling rings raise reflux and copper contact, so only the lightest vapours rise, for a tropical spirit.

At a hearty 48.9% it carries real weight. A clean, fruity sweetness, with a soft vanilla from the oak. It is fruity and tropical, the light spirit shining through. A long, fruity finish carries a tropical fruit and a soft spice. This is Fettercairn, one of Scotland's oldest licensed distilleries.