Cadenhead Fettercairn 2006 19 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Cadenhead Fettercairn 2006 19 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a Highland single malt from Scotland's oldest independent bottler: distilled in 2006, matured 19 years in ex-bourbon barrels, and bottled at 92 proof (46% ABV) in a 700mL bottle — non-chill filtered, natural colour — and it is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
Fettercairn is one of the Highlands' quietly great distilleries, and this spirit was distilled during its stainless-steel-condenser era (1995–2009) — the period that gives Fettercairn its famously tropical, fruit-forward character. Nineteen years in ex-bourbon barrels have amplified that into a big, creamy, bourbon-influenced malt that independent reviewers rate among the best of Cadenhead's recent Original Collection releases.
Tasting notes (independent review of this exact bottling, scored 8.7/10): the nose offers vanilla, crème brûlée, nutmeg, white grapes, yellow plums, gooseberries, and Galia melon; the palate is creamy, with walnut skins, almonds, peach pits, allspice, grapes, and quince jelly; the finish runs medium with vanilla, cloves, and coconut. A second review adds fruit salad, toffee popcorn, nectarines, mango, and vanilla bean.
Why buy it? Because 19-year-old Fettercairn is scarce at any price — the distillery's own range rarely reaches this age — and the ex-bourbon profile is the definitive expression of its tropical house style. Browse the WM Cadenhead collection, more single malt Scotch whisky, and other fine spirits.
Serving note: neat; a drop of water releases the melon and tropical fruit.
Where is Fettercairn distillery? In the eastern Highlands of Scotland, at the foot of the Cairngorms.
What casks were used? Ex-bourbon barrels.
How strong is it? 92 proof (46% ABV), 700mL.
What is the stainless-steel-condenser era? From 1995 to 2009 Fettercairn used a stainless-steel condenser, which produced a lighter, fruitier, more tropical spirit than the copper condensers used before and after.