Edradour 10 Years

Edradour 10 Years Whisky Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

  • Origin: Edradour Distillery, located in a pocket glen in the hills above Pitlochry in the southern Highlands of Scotland.
  • Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
  • Distillation and Maturation: The distillery is noted for having the smallest stills legally allowed. A significant portion of its maturation process involves Oloroso sherry casks, contributing to its unique flavor profile.
  • Age Statement: 10 years.
  • Color and Clarity: Golden, with a natural color indicating no artificial coloring is used.
  • Bottle Design: The bottle is described as beautiful, with an engraving, and there is also a miniature version available.

Whisky Flavor Profile

  • Aroma: Complex with sherry, oak, chocolate, sugared almonds, and a hint of Oloroso.
  • Taste: Smooth and creamy with a light malty taste, followed by a mellow warming finish. The flavor is rich with sweet fudge, chocolate, honey, caramel, and a mix of fruity and sweet notes in the end.
  • Balance of Flavors: The whisky presents a strong and full profile, attributed to the small stills and quality casks. The European oak from the sherry casks adds a heavy, strong aroma with a bit of chocolate and bitterness, while the sweet sherry complements with sweetness and richness.

Whisky Storytelling

  • Distillery Size: Edradour is known as the smallest distillery in Scotland, producing only 12 casks a week. Despite its size, it has a significant output and reputation.
  • Ownership and Production: Owned by Andrew Symington of Signatory Vintage since 2002, the whisky produced and sold as the 10-year-old is entirely under his tenure.
  • Craftsmanship: The distillery prides itself on handcrafting, with a small team inheriting traditional skills and knowledge generationally, though there's a hint of marketing in emphasizing the continuity of tradition.

Cultural or Geographical Significance

  • Historical Consistency: The distillery's buildings have remained virtually unchanged for 150 years, with a recent change from stone gray to white, mirroring a trend seen in other Scottish distilleries.
  • Legal Distinction: The stills at Edradour are the smallest size legally allowed, highlighting a unique aspect of Scottish distillery regulations.

Expert Opinions and Noteworthy Quotes

  • Horst Luening describes the Edradour 10 years as "a whiskey of rare distinction," praising its complex aroma and rich, full flavor profile. He appreciates the natural color and the impact of the casks on the malt.

Summary

  • Edradour 10 years is a single malt Scotch whisky from Scotland's smallest distillery.
  • It features a complex flavor profile with notes of sherry, chocolate, and sweet fudge, balanced with a creamy, malty taste.
  • The distillery's small size and traditional handcrafting methods contribute to the whisky's unique characteristics.
  • The whisky is naturally colored and benefits from maturation in Oloroso sherry casks.
  • Horst Luening highly regards the whisky for its aroma richness and full-bodied flavor.

Recommendations for Different User Profiles

  • Whisky Connoisseurs: Individuals with a deep appreciation for traditional distillation methods and the influence of cask maturation will find Edradour 10 years particularly appealing.
  • Sherry Cask Enthusiasts: Those who enjoy the rich, sweet, and complex flavors derived from sherry cask maturation will likely enjoy this whisky.
  • Beginners with a Sweet Tooth: New whisky drinkers who prefer sweeter, less peated whiskies might find Edradour 10 years a delightful introduction to the world of Scotch.