Premier Barrel Single Barrel - Fettercairn 8 Year Old 70cl is a vibrant and flavorful single malt whisky that highlights the distinctive style of Fettercairn. Aged for 8 years, this expression offers a balanced combination of fruitiness and richness. The nose is inviting with notes of fresh citrus, vanilla, and light oak spice. On the palate, it delivers bright flavors of green apple, honey, and malt, with a subtle underlying warmth from the oak cask. The finish is smooth, with lingering fruit and a touch of spice, making this a delightful and approachable whisky that is perfect for both newcomers and experienced whisky drinkers alike.

Tasting Profile

• Nose: Bright citrus, sour plums, green herbs, and a hint of floral honey
• Palate: Creamy grapefruit, orange zest, sultanas, and a fizzy menthol spice
• Finish: Long and grassy with oak spice, green apple, and a warm, dry fade

Production Details

• Distillation method: Double distilled in copper pot stills
• Cask type(s):
  • Double matured in Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry-seasoned casks
• Special processes:
  • Distilled in 1989, bottled in 2019 after 29 years of aging
  • Limited release of 4,976 bottles (700ml) or 5,568 (variation by market)
  • Bottled at cask strength (51.4% ABV), non-chill filtered
  • From a ghost distillery, closed in 1993 and demolished in 2002

Perfect For

• Whisky collectors chasing rare ghost distillery releases
• Sipping neat to savor its vibrant, sherry-influenced complexity
• Pairing with dried fruits, shortbread, or dark chocolate
• Gifting as a piece of Speyside’s lost history
• Exploring unique, unconventional malt profiles

Expert Notes

• Part of Diageo’s 2019 Special Releases, themed “Rare by Nature”
• Showcases Pittyvaich’s quirky, yeasty character with sherry richness
• Selected by master blender Dr. Craig Wilson for its distinctiveness
• Sherry casks add depth without overpowering the light spirit
• A standout from a short-lived distillery, operational only 1974-1993

Customer Reviews

• “Fruity and fizzy—unlike any malt I’ve tried!” – Alex M. ★★★★★
• “Sherry and spice dance; long, warm finish.” – Fiona R. ★★★★☆
• “Complex and rare—worth the price!” – Iain T. ★★★★☆

Interesting Facts

• Pittyvaich, built in 1974, was Speyside’s youngest distillery before closing
• Only active 19 years, making its stocks exceptionally scarce
• “Rare by Nature” label features a capercaillie, a shy Scottish bird
• Double maturation in PX and Oloroso casks is a rare twist for Pittyvaich
• One of the few official releases since its 1993 shutdown

Serving Suggestions

• Sip neat to appreciate its cask-strength vibrancy
• Add a drop of water to enhance fruit and soften spice
• Pair with citrus tarts, roasted nuts, or game meats
• Serve in a Glencairn glass for aromatic intensity
• Try in a light Rob Roy for a sherry-spiced twist

Distillery

• Pittyvaich Distillery, founded in 1974 in Dufftown, Speyside, Scotland
• Built by Arthur Bell & Sons, later owned by United Distillers (Diageo)
• Closed in 1993 due to industry consolidation, demolished in 2002
• Known for light, fruity malts despite its brief existence
• Legacy preserved through rare releases like this 2019 bottling

Note: Box with Stain