Fettercairn Warehouse 2 Batch 4 8 Years Old 2014

Fettercairn from the distillery, an 8 year old, from 2014, at 48.8%. 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.

It was run through the water cooled stills for a light, tropical make, giving the light, pineapple led Highland spirit. A Hungarian Oak cask held it, shaping the light spirit over the years. Young and extractive, the cask sheds vanillin (vanilla) and toasted sugars (light caramel) over the tropical spirit. American oak suits the tropical make, lending vanilla and coconut over the fruit. After Ramsay lost his fortune, the Fasque estate passed to the Gladstone family in 1829. In 2018 the distillery relaunched with a new core range under maker Gregg Glass. It has been owned by Whyte and Mackay since 1973.

At a hearty 48.8% it carries real weight. Mango, citrus and a soft honey, with a spiced, clove edge from the cask. Beneath it run pineapple, citrus and a soft vanilla. It finishes long, fruity and clean. This is a light, tropical Highland single malt.