Fettercairn 30 Years Old 1995 Cask #2829 (Signatory)

The Pitlochry bottler Signatory Vintage bottled this Fettercairn, a 30 year old, distilled in 1995, from cask 2829, bottled at 58.3%, one of 157 bottles. Fettercairn is a Highland single malt from Whyte and Mackay, known for pineapple and tropical fruit. Its make matures on site in dunnage warehouses, around thirty two thousand casks in all.

The spirit was made on mountain water with the stills drenched in cold water, building the tropical Fettercairn style. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, a soft vanilla beneath the tropical fruit. In its ethereal years the malt is waxy and oxidative, faded tropical esters and a touch of sotolon (maple, dried fig). The water cooled stills give a light spirit that ages with grace. The cooling rings raise reflux and copper contact, so only the lightest vapours rise, for a tropical spirit.

Bottled at a cask strength 58.3%, it is rich. Pineapple, pear and a creamy vanilla, with a soft vanilla from the oak. The mouthfeel is clean, the fruit carried on a light body. A long, fruity finish carries a tropical fruit and a soft spice. This is the cooling ring malt of the Mearns.