Fettercairn Launches a New 16 Year Old Single Malt Whisky
Due to the success of its first release in 2020, the Fettercain distillery has chosen to double down on its 16-year-old expression with the release of a new 2021 edition.
However, there are some notable differences between the two. For instance, whilst the first release was matured in ex-bourbon casks, the second release has been matured in a mixture of different refill sherry casks.
Fettercairn’s Unique Distillation Process
Despite having different maturation stories, the two whiskies underwent the same distillation process. Just like all the whisky produced at the Fettercairn distillery, the new 16-year-old single malt was distilled using their copper cooling ring distillation process. This distinctive distilling method is what produces Fettercairn’s unique “tropical style”.
The process involves taking “crystal-clear mountain water” from the foothills of Scotland’s Carngoims and using it as both an ingredient in the whisky and to cool the stills. The water is poured down “the outside of the stills from our unique cooling ring, creating more condensation within, ensuring only the finest vapours can rise to the top for collection”. As it is only the lightest vapours that rise, Fettercairn claims that this process leads to a lighter and purer spirit.
The Whisky’s Flavour Profile
The sherry casks used during the maturation process of the new release were selected from a family-run bodega in Jerez, Spain. They include first-fill Oloroso, refill Oloroso and first-fill aged Palo Cortado sherry butts. According to Fettercairn, these casks were specifically chosen to hold onto the whisky’s tropical style and add nutty, citrus, and vanilla notes to the fruity flavour profile of the spirit.
Discussing this decision, Gregg Glass, Fettercairn’s master whisky maker, stated: “For me, this was about retaining the natural beauty and balance of our Fettercairn tropical house style while elevating the pure beauty and refinement of select, aged Palo Cortado and Oloroso casks. Combining these elements allows us to share another aspect and dimension to our truly unique warehouse stocks at Fettercairn.”
Kirsteen Beeston, head of International Malts at Whyte and Mackay (the owners of the whisky brand), similarly reflected on the new 16-year-old expression. She said: “This 16 Years Old reveals finely balanced tropical and soft spice flavours and showcases the approach we take to making single malt.”
She added: “This time around, we’ve called on rare Palo Cortado which is an elegantly dry Sherry alongside the dark richness of Oloroso, to add a special flair to this single malt and showcase the excellent maturation expertise coupled with the ripe tropical distillery character when the spirit reaches the late teen years.
Can I Buy It?
Fettercairn’s second limited-edition 16-year-old whisky is now available across Europe, including the UK, France, Germany, and Belgium, at a recommended sale price of £69. It will be extending to Global Travel Retail and key Asia markets in the new year.
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