Fettercairn’s Latest Scotch Finished In Rare Native Scottish Oak

Of the various types of woods used to age and finish Scotch whisky in in Scottish distilleries, perhaps one of the rarest is locally sourced Scottish Oak. Fettercairn is one distillery to undertake using it, recently releasing an 18 year old finished in this native oak type.

The new Fettercairn 18 Year Old, according to those behind it, was originally aged in American oak before being finished for a period in 100% Scottish oak that’s sourced from the Scottish Highlands. It is the first expression to be released from parent company Whyte & Mackay’s Scottish Oak Programme.

“Fettercairn 18 is a culmination of an approach to whisky making I have developed across a number of years,” said Fettercairn Gregg Glass, Master Whisky Maker, in a prepared statement. “This first release reflects the dedication not just of myself, but of our partners ‘from Forest to Field’, who each played a role in rekindling the skills required to harvest Scottish Oak.

Of the various types of woods used to age and finish Scotch whisky in in Scottish distilleries, perhaps one of the rarest is locally sourced Scottish Oak. Fettercairn is one distillery to undertake using it, recently releasing an 18 year old finished in this native oak type. (image via Fettercairn)

“At Fettercairn we are passionate about the potential of Scottish Oak and the unique flavour characteristics it offers to the whisky maker.”

Fettercairn 18 Year Old, bottled at 46.8%, is natural in color and non-chill filtered. Pricing at £175, you’ll find some official tasting notes for it below.

• Colour: Golden amber
• Nose:  Sugared almonds, baking spices and tropical sweetness of passion fruit and guava
• Taste: Exotic syruped fruits, patisserie sugars, brioche and spices with soft hints of berry fruits
• Finish: Soft spice, cacao and natural vanilla