Nose - A sweet/savory "funk" reminiscent of rich, syrupy raisins/dates/prunes mixed with a bit of soy sauce, chocolate, and damp chewing tobacco. Taste - Intense sweet raisins/prunes layered over dark apple juice, a mild ginger ale heat, hints of dark chocolate, maraschino cherry syrup, and sweet syrupy amaretto. Finish - Lingering sweetness with hints of cinnamon spice, syrupy dark dried stone fruits, light bitter cherry pits, and sweet bitterness from almond shells. Score - 80/100 Final Thoughts - I wanted to enjoy this more than I did. While there's nothing particularly off-putting, it leans towards being excessively sweet. It's as if very damp sherry and port casks were used for finishing, and remnants of thick, syrupy sludge within the barrels imparted an overwhelming sweetness. The flavors are pleasant, and I view it more as a dessert whisky due to its consistent sweetness from start to finish. Perhaps it could be served as an aperitif or digestif alongside some bitter dark chocolate to conclude a meal? Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - Possibly Would I buy a bottle? - Perhaps NOTE - All reviews are conducted without considering price.
Fettercairn 16 Year (1st Release 2020)
Whiskey Scotch Highlands 16 Year 46.4% ABV
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About this bottle
The Fettercairn 16 Year, introduced in June 2020, became a primary offering from the Scotch whisky company. This initial 2020 bottling incorporates chocolate malted barley, which is heavily kilned, and spent its first years in first-fill American oak ex-bourbon barrels. Subsequently, the single malt underwent a two-year finishing period in sherry and port casks. This expression is intended to be the inaugural release in a line of single malts from the brand at this age statement.
How it tastes
Measured across 14 flavor axes. Tap a note to find other bottles that lead with it.
Reviews
Showing the most detailed of 5 parsed reviews.
This version is less fruity than the third release. It features highly toasted chocolate malt, imparting a coffee flavor that diminishes the signature tropical fruit taste. Medium orange/marmalade notes on the finish.
Beautiful pour with notes of strawberries, bananas, pineapples, almonds, cinnamon, dark chocolate, plums, mocha, cherry liqueur, pears, apples, honey, and toffee.
86 points. Unremarkable, uninspiring, with malt and heat.
Intense, many layers
Tastes like this
Closest flavor profiles across the whole catalog.
