There has long been debate over the classification of Scottish oak. However, Whyte & Mackay’s Master Whisky Maker, Gregg Glass, is a firm believer in Scottish oak and its applications in scotch whisky making.
The Making Of The Fettercairn 18 Year Old
The Fettercairn 18 Year Old is the first expression of the program, having first been launched in 2022.
Master Whisky Maker Gregg Glass said:
“The Scottish Oak Programme is one of my proudest achievements and the annual release of the Fettercairn 18 Year Old is a regular reminder of the journey our team has gone through so far, to bring this to life.
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“Over the last three years, we’ve gained a loyal following for this special whisky and our hope every year is for more people to experience how truly special Scottish Oak is and the incredible flavours it can impart to Scotch.
“So the diverse flavours of Scottish Oak can be enjoyed for generations to come, in 2021 we replanted an ancient forest at Fettercairn. The saplings are growing well, with many now visible from the distillery. We’re still generations away from these trees being used in whisky making, but having them there to watch over our distillery offers an important reminder that our work isn’t just for the present, it’s for the future.”
Tasting Notes
Tasting notes provided by Fettercairn:
“Golden amber in colour, Fettercairn 18 Year Old has notes of sugared almonds, baking spices, passion fruit and guava on the nose. To taste, expect exotic syruped fruits, patisserie sugars, brioche and spices, with soft hints of berry fruits, flowing through to a cacao, and natural vanilla finish.”
The whisky will be available via specialist retailers from October 2024, for an RRP of £212 (~$284).
Does Scottish Oak Exist?
Well, it depends on how you look at it. Oak grown in Scotland does exist, yes. However, Scottish oak is not its own distinct oak species. It is part of the wide European oak category. Two distinct species of oak are found in both Europe and Scotland: Quercus Robur and Quercus Paetrea.
(I learned this on my trip to Aberfeldy Distillery from one of the lovely chaps at Highland Safaris, who chuckled when we were all introduced to a 9 Year Old Aberfeldy matured in Scottish oak.)
With that being said, due to Scotland’s climate and soil, European oak grown in Scotland has different characteristics from European oak grown in Spain, for example. This includes characteristics such as density and wood grain.
So, whilst Scottish oak does not technically exist in terms of species classification, it is different from its continental cousin, hence the push by some Scottish whisky producers to use more Scottish oak in whisky maturation. This can help not only with producing different flavors but also with emphasizing local provenance, just as Fettercairn has done with the 18 Year Old.
