For 200 years, Fettercairn’s Highland single malts by no means formally graced American shores, a minimum of by way of branded releases. In 2025, the model launched a part of its core vary to the U.S., with restricted distribution on 24, 28, and 40 yr outdated single malts. Now, the Whyte & Mackay-operated distillery is rolling out its 12 and 16 year-old expressions in wider distribution. (Whyte & Mackay additionally run single malt producers Jura, Dalmore, and Tamnavulin, in addition to single grain large Invergordon.)
Each expressions spend their complete lifecycles in 100% ex-bourbon barrels. Every is distilled by Fettercairn with emphasis on a lighter fashion huge on tropical fruits. To attain this, the distillery makes use of a particular copper cooling on the high of its stills, which helps prioritize lighter vapors coming into the lyne arm (and subsequently the condenser).
Fettercairn’s 12 and 16 year-old single malts are bottled at pure colour and with out chill filtration. Let’s see how they style.
Fettercairn 12 Years Previous Single Malt Scotch Whisky Evaluate
From the primary sniff, we’ve obtained a strong instance of Fettercairn’s home fashion: gentle tropical fruits, tart berries, dried coconut flakes, and malted cereal lead. After a couple of minutes, canned fruit cocktail dominates. A creamy first sip doesn’t yield the identical stage of fruit; as a substitute, it hits the palate like a diluted fruit syrup. Cream soda is up subsequent, constructing in sweetness and gliding throughout with a light-weight effervescence. The midpalate picks up with some extra pronounced pear, alongside roasted coconut, toasted almond flakes, and honey-soaked baklava. The end ends with a bit of drip espresso and preserved peaches. It’s a pleasing — if simple — pour I may see happening rapidly on a heat afternoon. 92 proof (for the U.S. bottling)
B+ / $55 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
Fettercairn 16 Years Previous Single Malt Scotch Whisky Evaluate
Sampled side-by-side, the 16 yr outdated instantly stands out from its youthful sibling. (And because the proof factors are so comparable, I’m calling it an apt comparability.) It’s fairly a bit nuttier and spicier, with each marzipan and vanilla extract hitting up entrance. Tropical fruit wafts up after within the type of grilled pineapples and peaches, much less brilliant and extra caramelized in comparison with the 12 yr. The palate behaves equally. It’s a contact much less brilliant, and as a substitute of cream soda, flavors are led by reasonably darkish caramel. Pistachios and honey proceed the pattern towards baklava, in addition to candied grapefruit peel. The end is a little more sturdy, with pronounced citrus peel and nougat. 92.8 proof.
A- / $90 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
Fettercairn 16 Years Previous
USD90
