The Highland-based Fettercairn Distillery, has announced the launch of its second limited-edition Distillers’ Secret release, produced in collaboration with Scottish rum producer Matugga Rum.

Fettercairn Distillers’ Secret No. 2 (53.4% ABV) is a single malt Scotch whisky, matured in a combination of ex-Red wine, ex-Bourbon and Scottish Rum casks.

The latest release was inspired by a chance discovery by distiller Bruce Aitken, who noticed that an ex-red wine cask maturing in the warehouse had developed a distinctive and intriguing flavour profile reminiscent of rum and raisin fudge. The former chef turned distiller was keen to explore how these flavours could be developed further and set out to collaborate with one of Scotland’s most exciting and authentic rum producers, Matugga Rum.

Founded by husband-and-wife team Paul and Jacine Rutasikwa, Matugga Rum takes inspiration from the ‘rum triad’, which has its roots in Jamaica’s rum-making traditions. The brand also showcases the culture and flavours of East Africa, blended with Scotland’s proud distilling heritage.

The second release in the Fettercairn Distillers’ Secret series follows the inaugural expression, which was created in collaboration with craft brewery Six°North. Distillers’ Secret No. 2 is said to offer aromas of grilled pineapple, soft toffee, Demerara sugar and ginger spice, followed by flavours of tropical fruits, molasses, sweet vanilla, citrus zest and wood spice on the palate.

Commenting on the launch, Bruce Aitken, distiller at Fettercairn Distillery, 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.”

Paul Rutasikwa, Co-Founder of Matugga Rum, added: “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.”

Limited to just 486 bottles, Fettercairn Distillers’ Secret No. 2, is now available exclusively from the Fettercairn Distillery, for a RRP of £120.