Fettercairn

Founded in 1824 by Sir Alexander Ramsey  who was one of the people who had campaigned for the licensing of whisky making..

As with a few other distilleries Sir Alexander Ramsey employed staff who had previously been involved with making illegal whisky.

The distillery was sold along with the land to the Gladstone family who’s most famous member might be William Gladstone who became the British prime minister.. Gladstone was responsible for the abolishment of taxes on the Angels share and instead allowed it to be sold by glass bottles..

The distillery is forced to close due to fire in 1887 but re opens a few years later only to close its doors again in 1912 due to liquidation..

Mothballed in 1926 it remains closed until 1939 when bought by Associated Scottish Distillers ltd.

In 1952 a cooling ring was added to the spirit still in order to cool down the outside of the neck which in turn increased the condensation inside and only allowed the lighter vapour to rise and escape into the condenser..

The distillery stops production of its own melting floor and soon after increases production with the addition of 2 more stills..

Today the distillery has the capacity to produce 3.2 million litres from its 2 sets of stills, a Buhler which is only 4 years old and so very different to the typical Porteus mills we generally see…11 wooden washbacks ( mostly replaced but No 1 and No2 are around 40 years and will be replaced shortly ) a 5 ton mash tun ( copper ) and generally has a 56 hour fermentation time..

Warehouse 2 – Batch 001 Fettercairn

Most distilleries have that special warehouse that holds some significance, Warehouse 2 is that very one for Fettercairn.. Still home to the excise office that each distillery once had this warehouse is a typical dunnage style with that glorious smell and earthy, dirty feel that instantly transports you back to the times those excise men and workers were scurrying around busy with their daily chores and probably trying to avoid being seen with the odd tipple in a cup..

These were the days still fondly spoken about by the older generation and still have those of us who can only imagine these days listening on in wonder. Fettercairn like a many of the distilleries are looking to remember the old times and bring those memories forward with a homage to the special things that matter..

Warehouse 2 Batch 001 is here

Fettercairn Distillery embarks on an exciting new journey, with the launch of its first ever collection of small batch single malt whiskies.  The Warehouse Collection pays homage to the places where Fettercairn comes of age, the 14 dunnage warehouses which boast incredible scarce treasures in the form of maturing stock.

Limited to 3,600 bottles, the first in the Collection, Warehouse 2 Batch No.001 brings together five different cask styles all filled back in 2010 and matured in Warehouse 2, where high humidity combined with a relatively cool and temperate environment makes it mark on the maturing spirit. 

This new release is testament to the guardianship of the distillery team, and the passion and drive of the whisky maker in exploring, uncovering and discovering some of the most awe-inspiring spirit the distillery has available to bottle.

Just as the spirit of discovery has guided the creation of Fettercairn Warehouse 2 Batch No.001, the desire to share the specific details of this discovery process with drinkers and fans has been paramount. By inviting drinkers on this journey, this is a release where nothing is hidden and the fullest transparency is front and centre on the bottle.

Whisky Maker, Gregg Glass said: “For some time, I’ve wanted to share the secrets and treasures which lie within our unique dunnage warehouses at Fettercairn.   We’ve had the opportunity to create something quite special with this new collection that celebrates the treasure trove of beautiful casks we have at Fettercairn. I’m looking forward to whisky drinkers discovering these for themselves. The collection means we can also continue to build on the long history of experimentation and exploration at Fettercairn, which sits firmly at the heart of the series, whilst also starting to reveal what might come next from the distillery.”

Bottled at a higher strength of 49.7% ABV to preserve the distillery character, Fettercairn Warehouse 2 Batch No. 001 Has been crafted using hand selected first fill American and European oak casks; filled with spirit that flowed from the Fettercairn stills in 2010 and has since been maturing in Fettercairn Warehouse 2.  These casks each impart their own influence on the spirit and include unseasoned casks and sherry seasoned butts from Vasyma, sherry barrels from Tevasa, ex-bourbon barrels and Port Pipes.

Celebrating the distillery’s tropical style achieved from the distinctive copper cooling ring distillation process, Warehouse 2 Batch No. 001 promises an intriguing and rewarding experience.  Melon, pear and honey with vanilla and ginger thrill the nose whilst creamy coffee, grapefruit, spiced apple and cinnamon to satisfy the palate.

Fettercairn Warehouse 2, Batch No.001 will initially launch in the UK via The Whisky Shop from 1^st March, at an RSP of £55.  Wider UK distribution will commence from mid-March and into other key markets including the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and France during March. The Collection’s 2^nd release will continue the journey, with availability later in 2021.

Distillery.. Fettercairn

Region.. Highlands

Age.. Nas

Abv.. 49.7%

Outturn.. 3600 70cl Bottles

Nose.. Those exotic fruits lead the way with pineapple and kiwi slowly fading into fresh apple peel, stewed apples and soft pear with a hint of peach and a gentle vanilla aroma drifts in and out dragging some soft honey, chocolate and cinnamon notes as it does..

Palate.. Again those fruits dominate with apples, pear and pineapple being more dominant, soft citrus peels add a little bitterness that helps to balance out that fruit sweetness.. There is a gentle malty undertone that is reminiscent of freshly cut barley and digestive biscuits.. Add some freshly dunked ginger biscuits from a weak black coffee, cinnamon apple pie and you have a nice easy drinking whisky

Finish.. Spicy whilst being funky

Thoughts.. This whisky is so easy to drink and that could be its downfall but in a positive way as it is not going to be around for too long !!!

This has all the fettercairn traits but there is something different about it, with its typical fruits shining it just has that New kid on the block feel, its as if it is a clone that has just had something added..

And it has worked!

It has added a new dimension to the range, and this could very easily be regarded as the new level of whisky for fettercairn fans..

Review done from an official sample provided by Fettercairn