Fettercairn 12 Year Old Scotch Whisky
40% ABV (80 proof) | 12 years | Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky | American white oak ex-bourbon barrels | Fettercairn Distillery, Howe of Mearns, Scotland (est. 1824) — Fettercairn 12 Year Old is a Highland single malt aged 12 years in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels, from one of Scotland's most distinctive distilleries. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.
Fettercairn's calling card is its copper cooling ring — cold mountain water runs down the outside of the still neck, increasing reflux so only the lightest, purest vapours rise. It's the only distillery using the technique, and it shows in the glass: tropical fruit, nectarine and pineapple character that the 2018 relaunch (Whyte & Mackay) put front and center. Among Scotch whiskies, Fettercairn 12 is the gentle, fruit-forward Highlander for drinkers who want distillery character over smoke.
Tasting notes
Official producer notes (via The Whisky Exchange): colour of sunlight and amber honey; nose of vanilla, pear and soft spices; palate of refreshing nectarine and tropical fruit with subtle roasted coffee, clove and ginger; a memorable finish of sultanas and black toffee.
Why buy it from Del Mesa Liquor
- 12-year-old Highland single malt, 40% ABV — aged in ex-bourbon American oak
- Unique copper cooling ring — cold mountain water over the still neck for extra reflux
- Founded 1824 at the foot of the Cairngorms, Howe of Mearns, Scotland
- Tropical-fruit house style: nectarine, pineapple, vanilla
- Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor
How to serve it
Neat to catch the tropical fruit and vanilla, or with a splash of water to lift the nectarine. A gentle, food-friendly dram alongside soft cheeses.
Frequently asked questions
What is the copper cooling ring at Fettercairn?
Cold mountain water runs down the outside of the pot still neck — the only distillery using this technique. It increases reflux, so only the lightest, purest vapours rise, giving the tropical-fruit house style.
Is Fettercairn 12 peated?
No — it's an unpeated Highland single malt known for tropical fruit, vanilla and nectarine rather than smoke.
Who owns Fettercairn?
Whyte & Mackay (Emperador), which relaunched the Fettercairn range in 2018.