Fettercairn whiskies

History

The distillery was founded in the 1820s on a local estate, when the government made legal distilling easier in Scotland. In the mid-19th century the estate passed to the family of the politician William Gladstone, whose father was one of its owners. During the 20th century the distillery changed hands several times and its whisky went mainly into blends. In the 1970s it became part of Whyte & Mackay, which in the 2010s relaunched the brand with a new image and a range of aged malts that made it known outside Scotland.

House style

Fettercairn’s technical trait is a ring that lets cold water run down the outside of the neck of the spirit still. This condenses the heavier vapours and gives a lighter, cleaner spirit. The resulting style is fruity and tropical, with pineapple, peach, vanilla, cereal and a touch of spice. It uses no peat and matures mainly in bourbon casks.

Where to start

Fettercairn 12 Year Old is the entry expression and a good example of its fruity, tropical style, with vanilla and sweet cereal. You’ll like it if you’re after a light Highland malt, different from the honeyed and sherried ones. Drink it neat or with a few drops of water to open up the fruit. It is a good alternative to the better-known Speyside malts.

• Fettercairn 12 Year OldSingle malt · 40% ABV