I know some people like Fettercairn, but the ones I’ve had so far were always a tad below par. I still have to try one of these newer official bottlings though. This middle-aged version was bottled by Signatory a couple of years ago.
Fettercairn 16 yo 1995 (59,9%, Signatory Vintage 2011, bourbon barrels #405+406, 368 btl.)
Fettercairn 16 yo 1995 (59,9%, Signatory Vintage 2011, bourbon barrels #405+406, 368 btl.)Nose: fairly sweet, malty and fruity (apples, gooseberries), quite modern in that respect. A little vanilla. Some spices (pepper) and fresh oak. Not much to say really, this isn’t too bad but it’s very neutral and not very expressive in the first place.
Mouth: strange, with chalky notes, a beer-like note, some bread and a pretty big rubbery note (not sherried rubber, but something of a fresh cleaning glove). Also a lemony note that evolves into soap or toilet refresher. Lots of herbal notes and a bitter zestiness in the end. Not sure what to make of this, it’s a challenge.
Finish: green herbs, pine wood and grapefruit zest.
Very strange whisky, especially with the rubber / soap. Around € 70, still available in some places. I can understand some drams are not within my preferred profile, but this comes close to faulty production if you ask me.
Score: 69/100