Each release of Fettercairn 16 year old single malt will showcase a maturation journey that enhances the tropical distillery character derived from the copper cooling ring distillation process. The 2021 release brings together spirit from Sherry matured and Sherry finished casks. A hand-picked trilogy of 1st fill Oloroso, refill Oloroso, and rare 1st fill aged Palo Cotado Sherry butts brings complex nuances to the unique distillery style.
Aroma : Sugared almonds, dried fruits & aged wood.
On the Palate : Alphonso mango, rich citrus zest, apricots and sun-kissed raisins balanced with walnut, light roasted coffee, cacao and antique liquorice notes. Finish encompasses salted caramel, sandalwood and iced ginger cake.
Alcohol Content : 46.4%
Palate:
Vanilla and ginger, with sun-kissed raisins
Please note that taste might differ between individuals
Nose:
Slightly meaty, with raisins, black treacle, white pepper, and dark chocolate
Expert review:
Chris White
Those fortified wine casks make themselves known straight away: cedarwood, sherry soaked currants, orange marmalade on overdone toast, and blackberry jus. Some lighter things emerge, with orange blossom, golden syrup, and bananas drizzled with chocolate, before it returns to the dark side with espresso, sweet black tea, and a touch of truffle ganache. Gingerbread biscuits, candied orange and pineapple, cooked apple and Millionaire’s Shortcake. Then the richness takes hold with classic juicy sultanas, dark cherry, rum and raisin ice cream, hazelnut praline, and polished wood. Old coffee grounds linger with charred twigs.<br>The jigsaw pieces of chocolate malt, bourbon cask, sherry cask and port cask, all fit together nicely with the 16yo. They provide an intensely fruity and richly flavoursome dram. Dark, brooding, and intriguing. Delicious stuff.
Background:
Fettercairn is a whisky distillery in Fettercairn. Situated under the Grampian foothills in the Howe of Mearns, Fettercairn town’s name is loosely based on the phrase "the foot of the mountain".<br>Fettercairn is owned by Whyte & Mackay Distillers.<br>Fettercairn Distillery was founded in 1824 by Alexander Ramsay, owner of the Fasque estate, who converted a corn mill at Nethermill into a distillery. After losing his fortune, Alexander was forced to sell the estate to the Gladstone family in 1829. John Gladstone’s son William Gladstone, went on to become Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer and was instrumental in passing various reforms on the taxation of whisky.<br>In 1973 Whyte & Mackay acquired Fettercairn distillery and it has remained with the company since.