Whisky Review/Tasting: Edradour 12 years Caledonia

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Edradour Distillery, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Matured for 42 months in Oloroso sherry casks after an initial maturation period, contributing to its dark color and rich flavor profile.
Age Statement: 12 years.
Color and Clarity: Dark, attributed to the extended maturation in sherry casks. The color appears darker in larger bottles due to the light passing through more whisky.
Bottle Design: Features a picture of Scottish musician Dougie McLean, with a detailed story of the whisky's inspiration written in extremely narrow writing, making it difficult to read.

Balance of Flavors: Intense sherry maturation results in a complex and rich flavor profile, distinct from typical Speyside whiskies.
Unique Characteristics: The whisky showcases a hefty, fruity profile with vanilla and sherry notes, diverging from the light, citrusy notes found in some Speyside expressions.
Comparison: Described as more mature, complex, and intense compared to the standard 10-year-old Edradour, with additional spiciness and oakiness in the aftertaste.

Collaboration: Produced in collaboration with Scottish musician Dougie McLean, inspired by his song "Caledonia" written about his homesickness for Scotland.
Distillery: Edradour is known for its traditional methods of whisky production, using small stills and maintaining a quaint aesthetic with whitewashed buildings.

Perthshire: The whisky embodies the essence of its Perthshire roots, reflecting the traditional craftsmanship and scenic beauty of the region.
Music Connection: The collaboration with Dougie McLean ties the whisky to Scottish culture and music, enhancing its narrative and emotional appeal.

"This is an intense sherry matured whisky. Not typical Speyside." - Horst Luening, highlighting the unique flavor profile.
"Wonderful, complex nose. A lot of Sherry, of course." - Describing the aroma.
"The additional 10 euros, dollars, pounds you pay for this is worth the money." - Affirming the value of the whisky.

Edradour 12 years Caledonia is a single malt Scotch whisky with a rich, complex flavor profile due to its extended maturation in Oloroso sherry casks.
It features a collaboration with Scottish musician Dougie McLean, inspired by his song "Caledonia."
The whisky is described as more mature and intense compared to the standard 10-year-old Edradour, with a unique balance of hefty fruitiness, vanilla, and sherry notes.
Its cultural significance is tied to Perthshire and Scottish music, enhancing its narrative appeal.
Expert opinions affirm its value and distinctiveness from typical Speyside whiskies.

For Whisky Enthusiasts: Those with a preference for rich, sherry-matured whiskies will appreciate its complexity and depth.
For Music and Culture Fans: Individuals interested in the intersection of whisky and Scottish culture/music might find the backstory particularly engaging.
For Collectors: The unique collaboration and story behind this whisky make it a noteworthy addition to any collection.