Fettercairn – 2016 Warehouse 14 Batch #1 (70c, 51.2%)

Fettercairn – 2016 Warehouse 14 Batch #1 is a whisky from Fettercairn (Highland). Bottled at 51.2% ABV, 70c. One of the oldest licensed distilleries in Scotland, Fettercairn was opened in 1825 and after having many owners (including Sir John Gladstone, father of 4-time British Prime Minister William Gladstone) it is at the heart of many of the Whyte & Mackay range. The malt produced is predominantly used in blends but they also produce their own range of single malts. Fettercairn has a very traditional style set-up with an open-topped mash tun, wooden washbacks and small stills. There are even soap grinders on the sides of the wash stills. These would have been used to add non-perfumed soap as a surfactant to stop the stills boiling over. This all points to a firm, quite heavy, nutty style of spirit. This was accentuated between 1995 and 2009, when the condensers were made of stainless steel. This also added a slightly burnt, pot ale character to the new make. However, a unique cooling ring attached to the top of the swan neck, which sprays cold water down the sides of the still, aids reflux and helps the spirit lean toward a lighter style. Please note minor wear to carton