Fettercairn – 16 Years 2nd Release 2021 (70cl, 46.4%)

This is the second release of Fettercairn 16 Years, a Highland single malt bottled in 2021 at 46.4% in a 70cl bottle. The label gives 1824 as the year the distillery was established. The whisky matured in Oloroso and Palo Cortado sherry butts. It was distilled in stills fitted with a cooling ring, where water cools the spirit still, which gives a lighter whisky with tropical fruit aromas and flavour. The nose is fresh and fruity, with pineapple, mango, lemon, plums and a hint of vanilla. The palate opens sweet, then spicy, then moves to more tropical fruit. The finish is rather dry, with a hint of hazelnut.