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.