Fettercairn 22 Year Old single malt Scotch Whisky is the latest expression to join the Whyte & Mackay-owned Highland distillery’s core range. The new malt follows the release of a travel retail exclusive 16 Year Old that debuted in June.
Fettercairn 22 Year Old matured in first fill, American ex-bourbon casks after being distilled in the distillery’s “copper cooling ring distillation process.” In that process, the stills are drenched with “crystal clear mountain water to ensure only the purest vapours rise to create the new make spirit.”
Laid down in 1996, the Whisky was recasked “13 years later in specially selected distillery run bourbon barrels to optimise its distinctive character development.”
According to the distillery’s tasting notes, the nose is “defined by banana, citrus fruit and plum combined with raisin, fig and gingerbread. The palate is tantalised with spiced pear, caramelised orange and coffee, tempered by liquorice which gives way to Morello cherry, plum and treacle.”
Kirsteen Beeston, Head of International Malts at Whyte and Mackay, said, “In adding a further expression to the core range, we have significantly enhanced the flavour experience on offer at Fettercairn. We’ve also expanded consumer choice and demonstrated the exceptional quality of our aged stock at Fettercairn. Growing from four to six expressions reflects feedback we have received on the core range and the clear need to bridge the gap between the 12 and 28 Years Old. We are working hard to create a range of whiskies which honour the approach at Fettercairn, but also provide whisky drinkers with single malts showcasing the special character which sits at its heart.”
Coming in at 47% ABV, the Fettercairn 22 Year Old is of natural color and non-chill filtered. It’s on sale for £200 (about $260 USD).
It’s been a big year for Fettercairn, who announced 12-, 28-, 40- and 50-year-old Whiskies last September and have now brought two new expressions to market this year.