An intriguing expression from Fettercairn released in mid-2020, distilled using chocolate malt (heavily kilned barley, more commonly seen in craft brewing)! It initially matured in first-fill American oak bourbon casks, before being finished sherry and Port casks, and is bottled at 16 years of age. There's plenty going on here, and it's all impressive stuff.
Boozy red berries, toasted teacakes and melted chocolate, with underlying baked earth spiciness.
Fruity coffee, hickory, chocolate again, just a touch of grassy malt, Golden Syrup Cake.
Toasted oak, plump raisins and candied ginger.
This is a very interesting whisky, rich and fruity . For me the nose reveals a fruity christmas pudding and dark chocolate. A very tasty whisky, rich, fruit cake, bitter chocolate and a touch of spiciness. The finish is just a tad short and disappointing. Burnt ashes and slightly sweet fruitiness. Overall a very nice drink.
I've waited long enough to try this Ltd edition 16yr old from Fettercairn. It does not disappoint Lots of berries up front teases the palate which is backed up with a traditional bourbon wood base and some delightful sherried raisins. Cocoa and home baking there too. Not a long finish but it's a nice controlled one. This was made using what's called chocolate malted barley. Not many whiskies have used this but glenfiddich was one who did. Doubt you'll find any of this years, but I think this will be made again somehow, so grab a bottle. Nice bottle too. struth
Compared to the Fettercairn age statement releases I had the pleasure of tasting before this nicely sits in between when talking age and maturity, extra tasty and original due to the chocolate malt …
