Fettercairn 28 Years Old is the Prestige Range expression of an underrated eastern-Highlands distillery — bottled at 42% volume, non-chill-filtered. A quietly assured statement from a house rarely in the spotlight. MATURATION: American white oak ex-bourbon barrels, no second cask, no finish. The spirit's evolution comes entirely from extended oxidative interaction with the wood — no secondary intervention, no flourish. SERVING: pour neat in a Glencairn at room temperature; the integrated maturation needs no water. Allow ten minutes; the layers open in slow waves. A contemplative after-dinner pour — pairs with lemon tart, vanilla crème brûlée, or a Dominican Connecticut cigar.
Tasting notes
Amber gold with deep copper highlights.
Pineapple and melon open the nose, giving way to treacle, ripe banana and a hint of warming ginger and liquorice.
Citrus peel and black pepper on attack, tempered by walnut, vanilla and gentle spice.
Long finish of coffee, apricot and a touch of sweet balsamic. A waxy, lightly tannic trace, without bitterness.
Fettercairn under Whyte & Mackay since 1973 has been a bank as much as a distillery — a stable Highland operation patiently laying down stocks while the rest of the trade chased trends. Founded in 1824 at the Fasque estate near the Howe of Mearns, with a copper-cooling-ring distillation unique in Scotch that produces the house's markedly fruit-led spirit.
