Fettercairn launches partnership with Matugga Rum for Distillers’ Secret No 2 whisky
Fettercairn Distillery has collaborated with Scottish rum producer Matugga Rum to create their latest Distillery Exclusive single malt whisky, Distillers’ Secret No 2.
Distillers’ Secret No 2 was inspired by a chance discovery by distiller Bruce Aitken when he realised that an ex-red wine cask maturing in the warehouse had a distinctive and intriguing flavour profile reminiscent of rum and raisin fudge.
The former chef turned distiller wanted to see how they could take these flavours further and looked to explore working with one of Scotland’s most exciting and authentic rum producers, Matugga Rum.
Bruce Aitken, Fettercairn Distillery distiller, said: “Cask 170 has been maturing in an ex-red wine cask for five years and we knew the second we tasted the liquid that it was going to be something special.
“The distinctive rum and raisin character made it the perfect candidate for further flavour exploration, and we were lucky enough to find that Paul and Jacine from Matugga Rum shared our love and passion for exploring the possibilities of flavour.
“We transferred the whisky into one of their ex-rum casks where it slept for another five years in Warehouse No 2. During that time, the whisky developed vibrant and funky tropical notes that quickly became a favourite among the distillery team.
“To achieve an overall balance, this Scottish rum cask was married with two first-fill ex-bourbon barrels to pull out the tropical house style that Fettercairn Distillery is known for. It then developed in three ex-bourbon barrels to let the flavours harmonise before being brought together and bottled at the perfect moment.”
Founded by a husband-and-wife team, Paul and Jacine Rutasikwa, Matugga Rum is inspired by the ‘rum triad’ which is rooted in Jamaica’s rum-making traditions and showcases the culture and flavours of East Africa blended with Scotland’s proud distilling heritage.
Paul Rutasikwa from Matugga Rum said: “What began as a simple exchange of casks has grown into a genuine friendship and creative collaboration.
“The thinking behind the rum-seasoned oak was to build on the rich red fruit and raisin notes already developing in the whisky, bringing greater depth, warmth and tropical fruit complexity to its character.
“As a passionate whisky lover and rum enthusiast, I’m excited to continue sharing casks, exchanging ideas and pushing the boundaries of flavour together.”
This release follows on from the first release, Distillers’ Secret No 1, which was created in collaboration with craft brewery Six°North.
Distillers’ Secret No 2, Fettercairn’s distillery exclusive in collaboration with Matugga Rum, is available now and retails at £120. The spirit will only be available to purchase from Fettercairn Distillery and is limited to just 486 bottles.
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