Close neighbours, exceptional flavours
Fettercairn whisky and local brewery Six°North have launched a new single malt, writes JULENA DRUMI
Fettercairn Distillery has collaborated with local brewery, Six°North, for the launch of its inaugural distillery exclusive single malt, Distillers’ Secret, a unique whisky, born from the combination of two exceptional casks, hand-selected by distillery manager, Stewart Walker and distiller Bruce Aitken.
This special release underscores the distillery’s close connection with its local community, and is in collaboration with craft brewery, Six°North, based in the neighbouring village of Laurencekirk.
Mr Walker says: “Fettercairn has always been for those who embrace curiosity and appreciate exceptional flavours, and we’ve been lucky to work with our friends and neighbours at Six°North on a spirit which does just that.
“Distillers’ Secret is a really special small batch release, which celebrates partnership and provenance, as well as providing a delicious dram. Limited to just 318 bottles, this isn’t one you’ll want to miss.”
Distillers’ Secret is a bottling of two casks, married together at Fettercairn’s Highland distillery. The first is an ex-Cabernet Sauvignon cask from Bordeaux, which arrived at the distillery in 2019 and had been used to age a fruity Belgian-style pale ale made by the team at Six°North Brewery.
This was filled with a liquid chosen from a refill American oak hogshead which contained Fettercairn whisky, distilled in 2007. The spirit was transferred into the ex-pale cask and closely monitored during its maturation, where Fettercairn’s whisky makers identified its unique and floral character. In 2025, four years on, this spirit was combined with a 2007 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel.
Fettercairn and Six°North have been able to share knowledge, explore flavour, and enhance their crafts to create a unique single malt whisky through a collaboration which aims to provide inspiration for future distillery exclusives.
Founded in 1824 and nestled at the foot of the Cairngorm Mountains, Fettercairn has become known for its innovative spirit, crafted with its signature copper cooling ring, an industry first that helps create the distillery’s light, tropical style.
Distillers’ Secret, Fettercairn’s inaugural distillery exclusive in collaboration with Six°North, is available now. It will only be available to purchase from Fettercairn Distillery and is a true small batch, limited to just 318 bottles.
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