Fettercairn 18 yo

Volume: 0.7 litres | Alcohol content: 46.8% | Chill filtration: No | Colouring: No

Special Features:

A Scottish oak finish gives this Fettercairn its distinctive maturation accent. The single malt first matures in first-fill and refill ex-bourbon casks made from American white oak. It then receives its finish in casks made entirely from Scottish oak. The sustainably sourced wood comes from three Scottish forests.

This limited release is part of the Scottish Oak Project, through which Fettercairn explores native oak for whisky maturation. Its tropical fruit character combines with baking spices, toasted oak and a rich mouthfeel. The 18-year-old whisky is offered at 46.8% in a 0.7-litre bottle with gift packaging. It is non-chill-filtered and contains no added colouring; its golden amber colour develops through cask maturation.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: On the nose, sugared almonds and baking spices meet the tropical aromas of passion fruit and guava.
• Palate: On the palate, exotic fruits preserved in syrup combine with brioche and the sweetness of delicate pastries. Spices complement the flavours, with berries adding a subtle accent.
• Finish: Cocoa and vanilla linger on the finish, accompanied by gentle spice.

Distillery/Bottler:

Fettercairn lies at the foot of the Cairngorms in the Scottish Highlands. Sir Alexander Ramsay founded the distillery in 1824 after campaigning for the legal licensing of whisky distillation. He initially recruited distillers who had acquired their skills in illicit whisky production.

A distinctive feature of distillation is the copper cooling ring fitted to the stills. It allows mountain water to flow over their exterior, cooling the copper. More vapour condenses inside, allowing mainly the lighter vapours to continue rising. Used since the 1950s, this method contributes to Fettercairn's tropical fruit character.

Gregg Glass initiated the Scottish Oak Programme in 2015 to investigate the potential of native oak and support traditional cooperage skills. The 18-year-old Fettercairn is a particularly clear expression of this work. To support local forests over the long term, the distillery also planted 13,000 young trees on adjoining land.

Facts: