Fettercairn Fior

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.

Jura Superstition

This no age statement release from the Jura distillery (situated on the wee island to the north of Islay) supposedly contains whiskies in the 13-21 year old range with 13% of the vatting being peated malt. Those are higher ages than your typical non-age statement (NAS) release and given the price I find it highly doubtful that the components are that old.

Behind window #14: Jura Superstition, 43% alc., £27/$41

C: Amber

N: Three distinct layers: very briny on top -- burnt green sticks, window putty, wet cardboard, and (here comes a weird one) diaper cream (and not in a bad way!) in the middle -- very subtle notes of strawberries, butterscotch, toasted almonds and mallow 

P: Wet straw, more wet cardboard, wholewheat toast, a little woody, a little nutty

F: Short and a little briny with the slightest suggestion of warm toffee

In conclusion: Just not for me, I'm afraid. There are Jura lovers in this world but I'm not among them.

Sincere thanks to Master of Malt's Drinks by the Dram for the sample.

GlenDronach 12 Year Old

Aberdeenshire's GlenDronach distillery, originally known as "Guid Glendronach," was purchased in 2008 by the BenRiach Distillery Company (who added Glenglassaugh to their stable of distilleries in 2013). Their 12 Year Old is matured in a mix of Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso sherry casks. 

Behind window #13: GlenDronach 12 Year Old, 43% alc., £29/$44

C: Color

N: The malted grain takes center stage but there's a good, clean rubberiness and fruity notes, too, suggestion of brown sugar with cumin edges -- the brown sugar develops over time

P: There's a lovely strong coffee punch before more malted grain enters the fray, yeasty and bready with some oak towards the back of the palate

F: Short to moderate, pleasantly warming and sweet with whispers of Fox's Turkish Delight in the very back -- the brown sugar becomes more pronounced as time passes

In conclusion: After the disappointment of last week's Dalmore 15, this GlenDronach shows what competitively priced sherry whisky has to offer regardless of chill filtering and entry level alcohol strength. Worth investigating.

Sincere thanks to Master of Malt's Drinks by the Dram for the sample.

Caol Ila 12 Year Old

Islay's powerhouse distillery produces approximately 3.5 million liters of spirit annually with the vast majority going into Diageo's Johnnie Walker Black label. Sitting on the very edge of the north shore it's a very short trip from the ferry terminal at Port Askaig to the tasting room. As a result, Caol Ila is a very popular stop for the island's tourists.

Behind window #12: Caol Ila 12 Year Old, 43% alc., £34/$51

C: Bright gold

N: Leads with peat and coastal sea breeze but push through that and there are hints of green banana, US Smarties, and cow barn

P: Wonderfully peppery and bright with fresh lemon zest and just a hint of seaweed

F: Long and lingering with more freshly cracked black pepper, barbecued pineapple, and camp fire ash

In conclusion: Such a great representation of what Islay has to offer. Its brightness and freshness is representative of standing at the distillery and putting your face into the wind: bracing!

Sincere thanks to Master of Malt's Drinks by the Dram for the sample.

That Boutique-y Whisky Company, Arran Batch #4

Started in 2012, Master of Malt's That Boutique-y Whisky Company very quickly made a name for themselves with their small batch releases of single malt, blended Scotch, Scottish grain, American and Indian whiskies. Their non-age statement 50cl bottlings with esoteric, graphic-novel style labels and cask strength contents really offer something for everyone. Well worth putting them on your whisky radar if they're not already on it.

Behind window #11: That Boutique-y Whisky Company, Arran Batch #4, 52% alc., Sold Out

C: Extra virgin olive oil

N: Fresh and piney with grapefruit, artisanal sea salt, and unused pencil erasers 

P: Continues with the fresh theme (more grapefruit, some grassiness) but now adds a crisp maltiness to the mix, quite chocolatey as it transitions into the finish

F: Moderate length with continuing grassiness, dark chocolate bitterness, and a touch more sea salt

In conclusion: A very fun Arran that, while demonstrating some of Arran's core characteristics (citrus, sea salt, malt), is a bit of a break from the norm. Such an enjoyable combination of casks!

Sincere thanks to Master of Malt's Drinks by the Dram for the sample.