Fettercairn Fior, Single Malt Scotch Whisky

700ml, 42.0%abv, Scotland, (Highland)

“Fior” means pure or true in Gaelic, and this, no age statement bottling launched in summer 2010, is something of a rebirth for the Fettercairn distillery. 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.

“Honey gold in colour, with aromas of crushed pear, toffee apple and hints of cinnamon and vanilla. A kiss of peat smoke with hazelnuts, orange rind, ginger and coriander complete the nose.

Taste is of bold dark chocolate, roasted coffee beans and peat smoke fused with nutmeg, mint, citrus fruits and truffle. The lingering finish proffers sherry trifle, marzipan and pineapple.”