AD Rattray Fettercairn 2009 58.8% ABV (£70). AD Rattray is overseeing (& sharing) the development of the distillate & 4th in a series of sister casks released in the ‘Cask Collection’. Aged in 1st fill bourbon hogsheads, NCF & NC.
Appearance: Apple juice in colour. A good glaze forms around the glass after swirling with a medium-thick tide mark. Plenty of medium/thick legs ooze slowly down the glass.
Nose: Oh, this is a nice nose! Caramel in abundance, dark berries and honey. Some red apple skin and a little funk too. There’s also a cut grass, vegetal note.
The higher ABV is evident on the nose, which I like.
Palate: A lovely thick mouthfeel, flavours include black pepper, mild chilli and a lovely jam on buttered toast flavour that fills the mouth. Apricot and milk chocolate.
Finish: Medium/Long. Buttered toast and jam, black pepper and slight drying. Chest warming.
Overall: This is another banger of a dram. Really very very good. Full-on flavour and good flavour at that!
