Fettercairn 10yo, 2006-2017, Whic, Sujet I

Tasting Notes

ABV

52.6%

Region

Highlands

Bottling

whic (Whiskycircle)

Cask type

American White Oak, Madeira Hogshead Finish for 8 Months (#107660/2006, 420 btl.)

Nose

The nose starts off with lots of nougat, toffee and red fruit - raspberries in particular. This is accompanied by vanilla and a hint of fresh lemon, followed by slightly bitter notes of unripe peaches and a whiff of oak in the background.

Palate

Deliciously sweet and creamy, almost silky on the palate. Fruity notes of peaches and grapes emerge, nicely mixed with vanilla and honey, before a warming spiciness of oak and black pepper takes over. Lingering dark chocolate and walnut notes are leading to a warm finish.

Finish

The finish is medium-long and slightly sweet with honey and malted barley. Dry cocoa and warm oak spice on the tail.

With water

There's even more fruit coming through on the nose when a few drops of water are added. Fresh with lots of peaches, rasberries and more floral notes. Subtle sweet and silky on the palate with a pleasant mix of grapes, raspberries, vanilla and honey. Water tames the warmth while the spiciness of oak and white pepper is still present. The finish shows medium length with tender sweet malt and honey, turning into a dry end with cocoa, oak and grape peel.

Comments

An impressive and reasonable complex Highlander. The fruity notes of the madeira cask are dominating the nose. On the palate, however, the American oak overpowers the fruitiness with vanilla, pepper and warming oak spice. Not unbalanced though. A pleasant transformation from fruitiness to spiciness and dry cocoa on the finish. Very enjoyable both neat and diluted.

I thank Arne Wesche from whic (Whiskycircle) for the sample and the photograph!