Fettercairn Fior Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Founded in 1824, Fettercairn is presently owned by Whyte & Mackay and represents one of their key blending resources, two others being Dalmore and Tamnavulin. We remember the brand being traditionally packaged and marketed as "Old Fettercairn", however since 2002, the bottle, name and packaging have changed. In 2010, the 12 Year Old which had been the core expression was scrapped in favour of the new "Fettercairn Fior" which is composed of 15% highly peated whisky.
Other expressions should start hitting Australian shores soon.

Tasting note: Deep brass / gold; Offers a juicy, almost grape-like opening sniff with hints of gobstopper too. Second phase becomes drier and more subdued; now malt and cocoa. Unusually dry delivery - biscuity malt is evenly matched against drying oak with dustings of dark chocolate towards the finale. Concludes taut, lipsmackingly dry and with hints of oatmeal and honey into the fade. Beguiling whisky. Difficult to pin down. The peat isn’t particularly evident. It's expressed in a more textural way contributing a subtle oily quality rather than overt flavour. 42% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... Released with no age statement, Fettercairn Fior contains 15 percent heavily-peated whisky matured in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels, along with a proportion of 14 and 15 year old spirit. The result is a bold and complex whisky with real nose presence; smoke, sherry, toffee, vanilla, and oranges merge on the nose, while the palate showcases more smoke and toffee, plus spices, oak, and licorice in the lengthy finish. 90 points - Gavin Smith, www.maltadvocate.com