The Fettercairn whisky distillery lies not far from the River Esk in the Eastern Highlands. Here, at the foothills of the untamed Cairngorm Mountains, Fettercain sits in its namesake town, far from any other Scotch distillery, its cooling waters trickling down from the untamed peaks. Originally sited a good two miles further up the slopes of the Cairngorms, the Fettercairn distillery was founded in 1824 by Sir Alexander Ramsay, who licensed it a year later.
In 1830, Sir Alexander sold the distillery as well as Fasque Estate to Sir John Gladstone, father of William Ewart Gladstone who would be Prime Minister on four occasions over the course of the 19th century and, during which time, he would not only legalize the selling of bottled whisky to the public, but also scrap the Malt Tax.
In 1887, a fire rendered the distillery almost totally destroyed and it did not reopen until 1890. Fettercairn closed in 1912 and production did not recommence until 1939 when Associated Scottish Distillers acquired the distillery. Today, Fettercairn whisky is generally light and balanced, the only official bottling being a twelve year-old which replaced the previous ten year-old. There are just a handful of independent bottlings. Fettercairn is at present under Whyte and Mackay ownership following purchase in the 1970s.
€135Original price was: €135.€115Current price is: €115.
Tasting Notes
Colour: Golden. This is directly supported by the reviewed tasting information.
Nose: Waxy lemon peel gives way to ripe tropical fruit, subtle coconut, and malted biscuit. This is directly supported by the reviewed tasting information.
Palate: Sweet and creamy, with fresh lime, mango, and ripe pineapple balanced by cracked black pepper and oak. This is directly supported by the reviewed tasting information.
Finish: Vibrant and fruity. This is directly supported by the reviewed tasting information.
€275Original price was: €275.€255Current price is: €255.
Tasting Notes
Colour: Deep golden amber.
Nose: Aromas of honey, dried fruit, vanilla, and polished oak.
Palate: Rich and complex with caramel, orchard fruit, spice, and toasted nuts.
Finish: Long and elegant with lingering oak sweetness, gentle spice, ginger, lemon, and black tea notes. The ginger, lemon, and black tea elements here are informed by review notes rather than a formal official finish sheet.