Fettercairn Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Fettercairn single malt Scotch whisky is a Highland malt with a history stretching back to 1824, when Sir Alexander Ramsay founded the distillery in the small village of Fettercairn, Aberdeenshire. One of the earliest distilleries to be licensed after the Excise Act of 1823, Fettercairn has long been associated with a bright, tropical fruit-led style and a distinctive production method that sets it apart from other Scottish distilleries.

The distillery’s location at the foothills of the Cairngorm Mountains gives it access to a pristine water source from the Cairn O’ Mount, which flows into the distillery via the Falls of Feugh. This pure Highland water, combined with Scottish-grown barley, forms the base of Fettercairn’s signature spirit.

What truly makes Fettercairn unique is its innovative cooling ring system fitted to the necks of its copper pot stills. During distillation, cold water is continuously trickled down the outside of the still necks via these copper rings, increasing reflux and encouraging only the lightest vapours to make it over into the condenser. This creates a notably pure and fruity spirit, with bright tropical notes such as pineapple, mango, and banana, flavours that have become hallmarks of Fettercairn’s style.

For much of its history, Fettercairn’s whisky was used primarily in blends, but in recent years the distillery has undergone a significant transformation, placing greater emphasis on its single malt range. The current lineup includes:
• Fettercairn 12 Year Old - light, tropical, and floral, with soft spice and honey sweetness.
• Fettercairn 16 Year Old - richer and more complex, often showcasing sherry or wine cask influence.
• Fettercairn 22 Year Old - matured for over two decades, developing deep tropical fruit, vanilla, and oak spice.
• Ultra-aged expressions, such as the 28, 40, and 50 Year Olds, which reveal remarkable complexity and elegance.

Maturation at Fettercairn is typically in American oak ex-bourbon barrels, which highlight the spirit’s natural fruitiness, though the distillery has increasingly incorporated sherry, port, and wine casks to add layers of flavour. Limited editions and travel retail exclusives have explored these cask types in greater depth, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts.

Independent bottlings of Fettercairn can offer fascinating variations on the house style, from youthful, orchard-fruit-led expressions to older releases where tropical character is balanced by mature oak and spice.

On the nose, Fettercairn often presents ripe tropical fruit, vanilla, and floral notes, sometimes with a touch of ginger or nutmeg. The palate is typically smooth and medium-bodied, with bright fruit at the forefront, supported by honey, malt sweetness, and gentle spice. The finish is clean and refreshing, making it an approachable whisky for those new to Scotch, while its unique character ensures it stands out for seasoned drinkers.

Our Fettercairn Single Malt Scotch Whisky selection includes the core range, limited releases, and rare aged expressions that showcase the distillery’s innovative approach and tropical fruit-forward style. Whether you’re exploring Highland whiskies for the first time or adding something distinctive to your collection, Fettercairn offers a vibrant, characterful take on single malt Scotch with nearly two centuries of history behind it.