Fettercairn – 28 Year Old (70cl, 42%)

This Fettercairn spent 28 years maturing in ex-bourbon barrels of American white oak and is bottled at 42%. The long maturation pairs the distillery's tropical character with darker, nutty notes, and the whisky has a deep, shimmering gold colour. Colour has been added. Stewart Walker, whose career at Fettercairn began when this whisky was distilled, counts it among his personal favourites. Pineapple and melon open the nose, then dark sugar syrup and banana, with a little ginger and liquorice. Citrus peel and black pepper meet walnut and vanilla on the palate. The finish leaves coffee and apricot with a hint of sweet balsamic.