The Distiller’s Distiller: Fettercairn 16 Yr Old ($90) — an Exceptional Single Malt!

FETTERCAIRN
12 YEAR & 16 YEAR SINGLE MALT WHISKIES

SCOTLAND

WHY BUY: 
Fettercairn is a distiller's distiller. And a whisky geek's whisky maker. We love this 200-year-old Highland vet for its singular and inimitable style, which has no comparison, none, in the spirits world today, and these high-age statement, low-priced single malts (the 12 Year is available for $55, the 16 Year, for just $90) make for great introductions to this one-of-a-kind producer. Fruit-forward and tropical, they're big and winning, but never descend into too-much-ness, thanks in part to the marvelous balance and clarity that have long been the hallmarks of this legendary house. At least part of that clarity, we should note, comes from the distillery's copper cooling ring, which makes for one of the most unique distillations in all of whisky, cascading mountain water down the stills and giving these single malts their distinctive purity.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: 
Wine Enthusiast doesn’t often review whisky, but awarded the 12 Year a rare 93 points. "Fresh pear and a white floral scent introduce this light gold single malt,” it wrote. "The palate surprises with peaty smolder and a splash of olive brine, layering in anise and white pepper heat on the long and bracing finish. The exhale returns a pleasing hint of fresh orchard fruit.”

OUR TASTING NOTES: 

• The 12 Year is classic Fettercairn, with a bewitching nose that opens out into notes of nectarine, pear, and pineapple. This is a transportive single malt, and where it transports you is somewhere decidedly warmer than the Scottish Highlands. Matured entirely in ex-bourbon American white oak barrels, it showcases the house style in its purest form, with no muddiness or imprecision at all on the palate, but only clarity and sharpness.
• The 16 Year edges even further into the exotic, with grilled tropical fruit leading the charge, supported by waves of Madagascar vanilla, poached pear, and honey. Here, too, is the trademark clarity and definition, but this is a whisky of greater intensity and depth, and you’ll want to give yourself time with it, to linger over its complexity and depth.

THE STORY: 
Established, in 1824, in the foothills of the Cairngorm mountains, Fettercairn has spent two centuries perfecting what they like to call the delicate balance between "nature and nurture." What truly sets them apart is their unique copper cooling ring, a system that cascades crystal-clear mountain water down their copper stills during distillation. This process ensures that only the purest vapors rise, creating the distinctive clarity that defines the Fettercairn style. It's a technique that sounds simple but proves nearly impossible to replicate, which explains why their tropical fruit profile remains unmatched in the whisky world.

WHAT TO PAIR THEM WITH: 
These Highland single malts are eminently food-friendly. Try the 12 Year alongside some slices of aged Gouda or Manchego; the cheese's nuttiness will accentuate the pear and nectarine notes. The 16 Year's more complex profile makes it a terrific partner for dark chocolate or tropical fruit desserts, like a roasted pineapple with fresh whipped cream. 

FUN FACT:
Fettercairn's copper cooling ring system was originally developed as a practical solution to Highland Scotland's temperature variations, but it accidentally created one of the most distinctive flavor profiles in whisky. 

OUR GUARANTEE: 
As always, these bottles come directly from the distillery through authorized channels, ensuring perfect provenance and proper storage. Secure your bottles today!

*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Summer 2026. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. The price reflected on your order form is subject to change after the order is placed in the event of a change in tariffs or taxes that are imposed by the U.S. government, or in the case of currency fluctuations of 10% or greater. Offer only valid in CA, CO, FL, MA, NJ, NV & TX. This offer will expire on Tuesday, March 10th, 2026.