Whisky Review/Tasting: Edradour 10 years 2002/2013 Signatory Vintage

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Edradour Distillery, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Whisky, Single Cask, not chill-filtered, not colored.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Matured in a sherry butt, likely an Oloroso sherry cask, which contributes to its flavor profile. The whisky is unchill-filtered and uncolored to preserve its natural characteristics.
Age Statement: 10 years, distilled on December 6, 2002, and bottled on November 25, 2013.
Color and Clarity: Natural color, indicative of its maturation process and lack of artificial coloring.
Bottle Design: The label is described as more elaborate than the typical label of the Unchilled Filtered Collection, indicating its special status.

Balance of Flavors: A complex mixture of fruits, sherry, oak, and distillery character. The balance leans towards a more intense, less sweet profile with a notable presence of oak and sherry influences.
Unique Characteristics: Notably intense for a 46% ABV whisky, with a strong sherry influence, oak spiciness, and a slight bitterness. The flavor evolves on the palate, starting with sherry and oak, moving to chocolate and coffee, and finishing with a rising vanilla note from the cask.
Comparison: While not directly compared to other whiskies, its profile suggests it would appeal to those who enjoy sherried whiskies with a complex, less sweet flavor profile.

Interesting Stories: The narrative around independent bottlers facing challenges in acquiring casks from distilleries, leading them to purchase distilleries themselves. Signatory Vintage, the independent bottler of this whisky, bought Edradour Distillery, making this bottle a product of a distillery owned by its independent bottler.
Anecdotes: The debunking of the myth that independent bottlers handpick casks by smelling each one in the warehouse.

Historical Context: The acquisition of Edradour Distillery by Signatory Vintage is highlighted as part of a broader trend among independent bottlers to secure their future in the industry.
Geographical Context: Edradour is known as one of Scotland's smallest distilleries, which contributes to its unique distillery character.

Opinions: Horst Luening, the master taster, highly recommends this whisky, emphasizing its quality and the reputation it brings to both the distillery and Signatory Vintage.
Quotes: "This one should be one of the best casks coming out of the distillery Edradour. Really."

Edradour 10 years 2002/2013 Signatory Vintage is a single malt, single cask whisky, matured in an Oloroso sherry butt.
It features a complex flavor profile with a strong sherry influence, oak spiciness, and a slight bitterness, evolving to reveal chocolate, coffee, and vanilla notes.
The whisky is part of a unique story where Signatory Vintage, an independent bottler, owns Edradour Distillery.
It is recommended for its quality and the value it adds to both the distillery and the independent bottler's reputation.

Sherried Whisky Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate the depth and complexity that sherry casks bring to whisky.
Collectors and Connoisseurs: Individuals looking for unique bottles with a story, especially those interested in the dynamics between independent bottlers and distilleries.
Beginners with a Palate for Complexity: New whisky drinkers who are eager to explore more complex and less sweet flavor profiles.