A Scotch Celebration 200 Years In The Making

Fettercairn Distillery, one of Scotland’s most storied whisky makers, is marking a significant milestone—its 200th anniversary. To celebrate, the distillery has unveiled an extraordinary 200th Anniversary Collection, a meticulously curated set of six rare whiskies that showcases Fettercairn’s legacy of innovation and craftsmanship. With only 10 sets available worldwide, this limited-edition collection is a true masterpiece for whisky collectors and connoisseurs alike.

Founded in 1824 by Sir Alexander Ramsey, Fettercairn’s origin story is rooted in a vision of progress and possibility. At a time when illegal distillation was rampant, Ramsey saw an opportunity to bring legitimacy to the Scotch whisky industry. He campaigned for the legal licensing of distilleries, and Fettercairn became one of the first to be officially licensed. This pioneering spirit of “what if” has been at the heart of Fettercairn’s philosophy for the last 200 years, driving the distillery to continuously push the boundaries of whisky making.

One of the most unique aspects of Fettercairn’s whisky production is its distinctive stills, fitted with copper cooling rings. This innovation, introduced by former distillery manager Alistair Menzies, allows cool mountain water to cascade over the stills, creating a lighter and more tropical whisky—a hallmark of Fettercairn’s house style. The cooling ring, still in use today, is a prime example of Fettercairn’s commitment to experimentation and improvement, a theme that runs through its 200-year history.

As the distillery looks to the future, it continues to innovate with projects like the Scottish Oak Programme. Master whisky maker Gregg Glass spearheaded this initiative, which uses fallen Scottish oak trees to craft casks that impart unique flavors to the whisky. This program not only underscores Fettercairn’s dedication to sustainability but also pays homage to the local landscape that has nourished the distillery for two centuries. In fact, the distillery has gone so far as to plant the Fettercairn Forest, ensuring future generations will be able to enjoy whisky made from the very trees grown within sight of the distillery.

The 200th Anniversary Collection is a celebration of this rich legacy of invention. From the oldest whisky in the set, a remarkable 60-Year-Old, to the youngest—a bold 3-Year-Old that represents the future of Scottish oak whisky-making—each bottle tells a story. The collection is housed in a bespoke Scottish Oak display cabinet, handcrafted by famed maker John Galvin. The design of the cabinet, with its brass, copper, and patina touches, is a tribute to the distillery’s iconic cooling rings and the natural beauty of Aberdeenshire, where Fettercairn calls home.

For whisky lovers who can’t get their hands on one of these ultra-rare sets, Fettercairn’s 12-Year-Old Single Malt remains a staple, offering a taste of the distillery’s signature tropical style.

As Fettercairn celebrates its bicentennial, it stands as a testament to the power of curiosity, invention, and respect for tradition. Here’s to the next 200 years of whisky-making brilliance! —Vita Daily