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The Scotch distillery is famed for its unique distillation process, where cooling rings are attached to the copper stills to ensure distillers extract the purest spirit
It is an exciting time to be a whisky drinker in Singapore, especially with the bevy of sumptuous expressions available here that span all flavour profiles—from Speyside’s mellow and fruity variants to Isle of Islay’s peaty offerings. You can now add storied Fettercairn Whisky (owned by whisky company Whyte and Mackay Limited) to the list as it officially makes its grand debut on the island.
Since the Scotch distillery (whose name means “slope by a thicket” in Gaelic) was established at the foot of Cairngorm Mountain Range in 1824, it has earned a reputation for doing things a little differently. The most notable of all took place in the mid-1950s when its whisky makers revolutionised their distillation process by adding cooling rings to their copper stills.
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Fresh mountain water would continuously run down from the rings during the whole distillation process, which, in turn, would cool the copper stills. As Stewart Walker, Fettercairn Whisky’s distillery manager, explains: “In simple terms, our unique cooling ring allows us to spray water on the outside of the still which increases reflux and in turn enhances purity.” This method increases condensation and ensures the distillers only extract the purest spirit, which is then matured in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels to achieve the distillery’s signature flavour profile—tropical fruits with hints of vanilla and orange.
The Fettercairn 12 Years Old serves as a delicious introduction to the world of whiskies. It is akin to sunshine in a glass with its amber honey hue and enticing aromas of honey laced with vanilla, pear and soft spices. It is even better once it captivates the palate with nuances of tropical fruit and roasted coffee, as well as a refreshing hit of nectarine.
See also: 6 Single Malt Scotch Whiskies to Drink Better in 2021
