An eastern Highland distillery poked its head out of the whisky advent calendar this morning. Fettercairn is located approximately half way between Aberdeen and Dundee on the edge of the Cairngorms. I'm not sure it's a distillery that's on the radar of your average whisky drinker but they've rebranded themselves in the last couple of years and are making an assault on the vaunted "luxury market."
Behind window #15: Fettercairn Fior, 42% alc., £32/$48
C: Copper
N: A quiet one but if you poke your nose about a bit there's beeswax, warm potting soil, freshly oiled leather, and just a hint of dried orange peels
P: Could be juicier at a higher strength, as it is there are suggestions of red fruits (a bit of strawberry, perhaps) with honey and some cereal notes
F: Short with hints of caramel, honey, and mini strawberry tarts
In conclusion: I've had some good Fettercairns in my time but this isn't one of them, I'm sorry to report. It's just so flat and uninteresting. I'd hate for someone to taste this and then write off the entire distillery (although it would be tempting to do so). If this is Fettercairn's attempt to enter the luxury market they've got a long slog in front of them.
Sincere thanks to Master of Malt's Drinks by the Dram for the sample.