Fettercairn 12 Year Old is part of the new Fettercairn core range launched in August 2018. This was matured in standard American oak bourbon casks and more or less the only accessible expression, the next in line is already 28 years old and around € 600… Talk about upscaling.
Fettercairn 12 yo
(40%, OB 2018)
Fettercairn 12 yoNose: nicely fruity, with nectarine and tinned pineapple. Not too much vanilla. Hints of meadow flowers and mint. Behind this bright side there is also a hint of roasted nuts, veggies and a light meaty touch.
Mouth: rather weak (unsurprisingly) but pleasantly rounded. Oranges, Panettone cake, candied ginger and vanilla custard again. Soft clove and herbs, now also a slightly rough oaky touch. Metallic hints. A bit of creamy mocha too.
Finish: on the short side, with toffee, mint and milk chocolate.
Better than I expected, with a nice fruity character, even though the low ABV holds it back a little and there’s a certain funky edge. Just over € 50, which is rather expensive coming from a distillery with little fame. At least it is enjoyable. Available from Master of Malt and The Whisky Exchange, for instance.
Score: 81/100