The first distillery was converted from an old corn mill at Nethermill in 1824 by Alexander Ramsay. He soon after had to sell the estate to the Gladstone family – the head of which went on to become Prime Minister and played a vital part in reforming the taxation of whisky and ensuring the industry would thrive. He didn’t just play by his own rules, he made them.

The Grampian mountain range offers many things: misty highland dreamscapes, rolling plains of lichen and thistle, snow-capped Dalradian rocks, wildcats, stags, beavers, white-tailed sea eagles. But if you’re after anything remotely tropical, you would have to hop on an eight hour flight… Or would you?

A trip down to Fettercairn may provide you with an improbable taste of the tropics. Their single malts are renowned for their full, fruited flavour profiles – something unheard of in the whisky world before John Gladstone made it so. And, true to ever-evolving form, they have a released a new range of bold, industry-defying drams. Marking the start of their bicentennial year, they now offer a refreshed domestic range and exclusive global travel range, which each comprise of three whiskies that showcase Fettercairn’s unique tropical house style at different maturations.

Domestic

The domestic range offers the perfect introduction to the flavours of Fettercairn. With tasting notes of nectarine and tropical fruit, followed by subtleties of roasted coffee, clove and ginger, the 12 Year Old leaves a memorable finish of sultanas and black toffee.

The 16 offers discerning whisky lovers natural progression from the 12 Year Old and the opportunity to experience a deeper tropical house style. Moving to a bourbon cask was been a purposeful decision that has yielded even further depth of flavour. Grilled pineapple and vanilla notes give way to passion fruit, rich honey and Turkish Delight in this expression; with a finish of mandarin, cacao and moist ginger cake.

Completing the domestic range is Fettercairn 24 Year Old – the pinnacle of the core offering and ideal for those looking for the richest flavours, coupled with a higher age statement. This expression captures sweet and cooked tropical fruits, Madagascan vanilla and red liquorice, with a sweet, spiced finish.

Global

The global range features unique age expressions at 14, 17, 25 years of maturation. Fettercairn 14 Year Old showcases the more refreshing facets of the tropical house style. Orchard fruit flavours intertwine with delicate sweet spice for a truly bucolic tipple.

Second in the range, Fettercairn 17 Year Old is both distinctive and transient, taking the drinker through notes of honey and crème brûlée and then leading them back to beachside bouquets by way of coconut and pineapple.

Fettercairn 25 Year Old completes the range and offers the seasoned whisky drinker ineffable depth. This whisky is enraptured by cooked tropical fruit, with notes of passion fruit, warm vanilla and freshly baked bread. A sweetly spiced finish awaits those that are willing to go on this storied, sensory journey.

It’s no coincidence that Fettercairn has taken on the unicorn as its sigil. They bottle the improbable; forever striving for that alchemical flavour profile that continues to surprise, delight and transport.

All expressions available now wherever good whisky is sold.

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