Fettercairn – 12 Year Old (40%)

Fettercairn 12 Year Old is a Highland single malt from Fettercairn Distillery at Howe of Mearns, which was established in 1824. It is bottled at 40% after 12 years in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels. The distillery is known for a copper cooling ring, through which cold mountain water runs down the outside of the still neck. This increases reflux, so only the lightest vapours rise, and it is the only distillery to use the technique. The whisky is unpeated. The nose is vanilla, pear and soft spices. On the palate come nectarine and tropical fruit with a little roasted coffee, clove and ginger, and the finish is sultanas and black toffee.