
March 2, 2021

Two young Old Fettercairns

There's an interesting new official Fettercairn but first, a recent batch of the regular 12.

Fettercairn 12 yo (40%, OB, +/-2020)

I thought this baby was a little challenging two years ago, so let's see if the make has changed a wee bit. Just for the sake of research. Colour: gold. Nose: vanilla and raisins up, gunpowder and 'new leatherette' still there, coal dust as well, fumes, artichoke, plasticine, sourdough… that's all pretty fine, if a little unlikely indeed. What it isn't is boring, which deserves commendations for sure. Unless… Mouth: well, the artichokes are still there, eggplant, a little stewed cabbage, green walnuts and tomato leaves, bitter oranges… I have the impression that this one keeps improving without denying its well-known idiosyncrasies. Like, artichokes. Finish: long, still rather bitter (even more artichokes) and pretty leathery, with Seville oranges and more green walnuts in the aftertaste. Comments: still a little challenging but either it has improved indeed, or I just like it better. Or both. From 70 to 78 last time, while this time it's going to be…
SGP:361 - 80 points.

Fettercairn 2010/2021 'Warehouse 2 Batch No.001' (49.7%, OB)

Fettercairn 2010/2021 'Warehouse 2 Batch No.001' (49.7%, OB)
A small batch that's seen it all as far as woods are concerned, as is now fashionable in every corners of this whisky world. I quote, this 'was matured in a combination of unseasoned casks, Sherry seasoned butts, Sherry barrels, ex-Bourbon barrels and Port Pipes'. No less! Colour: gold. Nose: indeed the oaks seem to have smoothed out the fearless distillate, as we're rather finding a lot of vanilla at first nosing, then Jaffa cakes, brioche, muesli, crushed bananas and earl grey. Indeed a smoother combination, which, I suppose, was the whole point. Old Fettercairn getting back in line. Mouth: success! Success because the artichokes and eggplants haven't totally left the stage, while raisins, vanilla and indeed earl grey have made this baby rather more approachable. More muesli, gingerbread, biscuits, then rather pepper, cinnamon mints, leather and ginger, with drops of green chartreuse. That's the distillate fighting back. Finish: very long, bittersweet, liqueury and herbal, to my liking. Bitter teas. I really enjoy this little 'fight in a glass'. Or, rather on your palate. Comments: a firm, very well composed Fettercairn that hasn't given up on its singular DNA but that's also, well, simply easier. Moderner whisky has many charms.
SGP:561 - 85 points.

Check the index of all Fettercairn we've tasted so far