Highland distillery Fettercairn has announced The Vanguard Series, an ambitious three-year collection of single malts designed to explore how we perceive flavor—through color, texture, sound, and memory. The project reflects the experimental vision of master whisky maker Gregg Glass, whose synaesthetic ability to “taste in colour” has long influenced his approach to whisky creation.
A New Way of Experiencing Whisky
Glass describes his process as inherently sensory: “In the development of any whisky, it’s a new experience. I tend to pick up sensory elements, linking color and texture to the flavor and character of the whisky. Those colors evolve as the whisky does.” Music, too, plays a role. While developing Vanguard, Glass listened to a wide range of compositions, allowing rhythm and atmosphere to shape the final profile.
The Vanguard Series, he says, is a meditation on what’s possible within whisky-making—how cask choice, oak character, and maturation can push Fettercairn’s tropical house style into new, uncharted territory.
The Debut Releases
The series begins with two expressions: Vanguard 29 Year Old and Vanguard (NAS).
The 29 Year Old, limited to just 99 bottles worldwide, was distilled on 11 December 1995 and first matured for 25 years in a refill Bourbon hogshead before being transferred into an exceptionally rare French pink oak cask. Sourced from Bordeaux cooperage Demptos, this oak is distinguished by high levels of carotenoids, imparting subtle floral and strawberry notes that harmonize with Fettercairn’s tropical profile. Bottled at 48.3% ABV, it retails for £2,500 (US$3,375).
The non-age-statement Vanguard, priced at £100 (US$135), represents Fettercairn’s ongoing exploration of Scottish oak. First laid down in ex-Bourbon barrels on 28 February 2008, the whisky was later finished in bespoke 200-litre hybrid casks made with American oak staves and toasted Scottish oak heads—crafted from naturally wind-felled Highland oak in collaboration with Speyside Cooperage. Bottled at 46.3% ABV, the NAS release brings together tropical fruit character with warming oak spice.
Both whiskies are available in select specialist retailers from 1 September.
Whisky and Music
To emphasize the series’ synaesthetic inspiration, Fettercairn partnered with Barry Burns of Mogwai and award-winning singer-songwriter Kathryn Joseph, who collaborated on an original composition titled Lorica. The piece was informed directly by Glass’ tasting notes, which chart color and sound alongside flavor.
Burns reflected: “It was a genuine collaboration. We took inspiration from Gregg’s colors and shapes, from what he was hearing while making the whisky. It was fascinating to translate that into sound.”
Joseph echoed the sentiment: “Meeting Gregg and seeing how much he cares about whisky-making was beautiful. The way he sees and hears flavor felt like something I could immediately connect to. Working with Barry on this, turning those impressions into music, just made sense.”
A Sensory Future for Fettercairn
With The Vanguard Series, Fettercairn signals a bold vision for whisky innovation—one where rare oak, synaesthesia, and soundscapes converge. It is whisky not only for the nose and palate, but for the imagination.
For more information, head over to the official website.
