Fettercairn 4th Release 16 Years 2023
This Highland single malt from the Fettercairn distillery matured in various cask types. These include former bourbon casks and first fill port casks. Fettercairn regularly releases new batches of the core bottling. Here we have the 4th batch / 2023.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The Fettercairn 16 years unfolds a true malt bomb on the nose that immediately catches the eye. The intense cereal notes are dominant and are accompanied by a clear, fresh hay flavour - without the horses that nobody likes, but with the pleasant freshness of a well-kept stable. A sweet hint of apple sauce and honey brings a pleasant fruitiness, while pineapple and custard powder provide additional exotic and creamy notes.
Palate
On the palate, the Highland whisky has a seductive fig note and a mix of exotic fruits that provide an intense sweetness. The toasted oak brings a complex, woody depth and elegantly complements the flavour experience. The balance between fruitiness and oak is remarkable and gives the whisky a balanced yet exciting flavour.
Finish
The finish of the Fettercairn 16 Years is long and round, leaving a lasting impression. The bitter oak provides an interesting twist, while ginger, banana, cocoa sultana and walnut offer a rich and complex finish. This finish is both warm and layered, rounding off the experience in an impressive way.
Thoughts
Marcel 79/100
The Fettercairn 16 Years is a true delight for whisky lovers – malty, fruity, and with a pleasant touch of warmth on the finish. Anyone looking for a whisky that’s both fun and full of character will be well served here. For me, it’s a Highland that easily deserves a spot in the home bar.
Sascha 77/100
A well-balanced single malt with a convincing structure that sits perfectly between toasted oak and fruity notes. The combination of first-fill port casks and bourbon barrels provides an elegant depth, even if the complexity doesn’t quite reach the top tier. Solid maturation and harmonious balance make it a highly recommendable Highland whisky.
Value for Money: Good
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What types of casks were used for the Fettercairn 4th Release 16 Years 2023?
The whisky matured in ex-bourbon barrels and first-fill port casks, giving it a combination of sweet vanilla and fruity port wine notes.
How does the 4th batch of Fettercairn 16 Years differ from previous releases?
The 2023 4th batch is characterized by a particularly intense malt note and a balanced interplay between fruity and woody aromas, enhanced by maturation in port casks.
Which flavor notes are especially noticeable in the Fettercairn 16 Years?
The whisky offers aromas of malt, hay, applesauce, honey, pineapple, and vanilla on the palate, complemented by notes of figs, toasted oak, and a long finish featuring ginger, banana, cocoa raisins, and walnut.