Fettercairn Whisky Core Range Review
If you enjoy whisky, and let’s face it, who doesn’t? You’ll likely always be looking for ways of expanding your collection and trying new Scotch. Who knows, you might even find a new favourite dram along the way?
The great thing about being a whisky lover is the fact that there are so many different products out there just begging to be discovered. Fettercairn Whisky is a prime example of this.
The Fettercairn Distillery, which very loosely translates as ‘distillery at the foot of the mountain’ is a Highland distillery situated in the Grampian foothills and was founded way back in 1824. Owned by Alliance Global and operated by Whyte & Mackay, this distillery has the capacity to produce 2,200,000 litres of alcohol every single year.
Famous for their rich and complex single malts, their 12, 22, and 28 Year Old whiskies in particular, come very highly recommended. It is these very single malts, which we will be looking at today.
Fettercairn 12 Year Old is a gorgeous golden amber colour, which it has taken on naturally after maturing in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels. It is a light and fruity spirit which, at 40% ABV, is extremely easy to enjoy.
On the nose you’ll get spring floral notes, ripe nectarines, coupled with fudge and milk chocolate notes with a sprinkling of freshly brewed coffee.
On the palate you’ll detect more ripe citrus fruits, candied ginger, caramel, pear, vanilla, and a touch of allspice.
The finish is smooth and refreshing, with nectarines shining through, along with juicy dates, toffee, and honeycomb. Be warned, this is dangerously easy to drink.
For a more refined dram, with greater complexity and depth of flavour, the Fettercairn 22 enters the fold.
Matured for 22 years in ex-bourbon casks, this is a single malt with tropical notes and undertones, with a stunning scorched honey colour. At 47% you get more of the burn you’d expect with a fine Scotch, though it is still a very smooth dram.
On the nose you should pick up fresh Granny Smith apples, tropical fruits, cedar wood, hay, and toasted teacakes.
On the palate gingerbread should shine through, along with morello cherries, candied orange peel, banana, pineapple, and mango. Go in for another sip and you should detect notes of toasted oak and spices.
The finish lingers, offering spiced pears, mandarins, honey, and a touch of coffee and vanilla beans.
Finally, what Fettercairn describe as the ‘pinnacle’ of their core range, is the award-winning Fettercairn 28 Year Old Highland Single Malt.
This really is a special beverage. Matured in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels for nearly three decades, this is the ultimate aged whisky.
With a gorgeous shimmering golden hue, this whisky is a very respectable 42% ABV. It is a fantastic sipper and is best enjoyed on special occasions such as birthdays, holidays, and Friday nights.
On the nose you will get black treacle, ginger cake, liquorice, and tropical fruits toasted in demerara sugar.
On the palate, your first sip will reward you with an explosion of flavours, lead by toasted peppercorns, dried apricots, caramelised pineapple and melon. These give way to espresso coffee notes, toasted oak, and roast chestnuts with lemon peel.
The finish is long and provides a wonderful mouthfeel, with heaps of tannins from raisins, lime zest, and sticky toffee.
If you want to grab a bottle or several of your favourite Scotch, or if you simply want to learn more about the amazing selection of whiskies available, be sure to head on over to https://greatdrams.com/ and browse the huge selection of award-winning tipples they have for sale.
Greg
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