Edradour 19 Years 1993 Sauternes Finish

Edradour 19 years 1993 Sauternes Finish Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

  • Origin: Edradour Distillery, Pitlochry, Scotland.
  • Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
  • Distillation and Maturation: Initially matured in refabricated American standard barrels (hogsheads) with a final finishing period in Sauternes casks for 51 months.
  • Age Statement: 19 years, distilled on December 20, 1993, and bottled on February 6, 2013.
  • Color and Clarity: Natural color.
  • Bottle Design: The bottle is numbered (59 of 303) and emphasizes its handmade quality and limited edition status. It also highlights the Sauternes cask finish.

Whisky Flavor Profile

  • Balance of Flavors: A harmonious blend of the natural nuttiness of Edradour with the sweetness and spicy character of Sauternes.
  • Unique Characteristics: The whisky showcases an intense spicy nuttiness, reminiscent of walnuts, alongside toffee and butterscotch notes from the cask's caramelized wood sugars. The Sauternes finish adds a layer of sweet wine flavor, complemented by a hint of citrus.
  • Comparison: While not directly compared to other whiskies, the unique Sauternes cask finish distinguishes it from typical Scotch whiskies.

Whisky Storytelling

  • Distillery Background: Edradour is known as one of Scotland's smallest distilleries, with a significant portion of its production processes being handmade.
  • Ownership History: Owned by Pernod Ricard until 2003, it was then sold to an independent bottler who sought to maintain whisky production amidst decreasing availability of casks.

Cultural or Geographical Significance

  • Geographical Location: Situated in Pitlochry, near the gateway to the Scottish Highlands, Edradour holds a quaint charm and historical significance as one of the smallest distilleries in Scotland.
  • Sauternes Influence: The use of Sauternes casks from Bordeaux, France, for finishing, introduces a cross-cultural element to the whisky, blending Scottish distillation with French winemaking traditions.

Expert Opinions and Noteworthy Quotes

  • "As long as there's a mouse on the computer, the whisky is handmade." - A humorous take on the distillery's commitment to handcrafting its whisky.
  • "Natural color. That's it." - Emphasizing the whisky's authenticity and lack of artificial coloring.
  • "Very strong and spicy." - Describing the whisky's robust flavor profile.

Summary

  • Edradour 19 years 1993 Sauternes Finish is a single malt Scotch whisky, aged for 19 years with a unique finishing in Sauternes casks.
  • It features a harmonious blend of nutty, sweet, and spicy flavors, with a natural color and limited production.
  • The whisky is a product of one of Scotland's smallest distilleries, emphasizing handmade production processes.
  • The Sauternes cask finish introduces a sweet wine influence, adding complexity to the whisky's flavor profile.
  • Notable for its rarity and the meticulous care in its production, it represents a unique offering in the whisky market.

Recommendations for Different User Profiles

  • Whisky Connoisseurs: Individuals with a deep appreciation for unique and complex flavor profiles, especially those interested in the influence of wine cask finishes.
  • Collectors: Due to its limited availability and unique characteristics, this whisky would appeal to collectors seeking rare and distinctive bottles.
  • Adventurous Drinkers: Those looking to explore beyond traditional Scotch whiskies and interested in the interplay between Scotch and wine flavors.