Whisky Review/Tasting: Edradour Bourbon Cask

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Scottish Highlands
Type: Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Distillation and Maturation Process: Initially known for its sherry cask character, this particular bottle is matured in first-fill ex-bourbon casks, a departure from the distillery's traditional sherry cask maturation. This change was part of an experimentation with new wood types.
Age Statement: Distilled in 2003 and bottled on 17th December 2013, making it approximately 10 years old.
Color and Clarity: Soft gold, uncolored, suggesting a natural presentation.
Bottle Design: Described as a decanter, it is a large and visually appealing bottle that offers a clear view of the whisky. It features an engraving for Edradour and includes detailed labeling with information about the bourbon cask maturation, vintage, and limited edition status.

Balance of Flavors: The whisky showcases a balance between the classic attributes of Edradour and the soft vanilla, tangerine, and coconut character typically associated with bourbon maturation.
Unique Characteristics: Despite its high alcohol content (59% ABV), the addition of water reveals more fruitiness and vanilla, reducing alcoholic sharpness and enhancing the burst of flavors.
Comparison: The flavor profile is untypical for an Edradour, with the reviewer noting it could be mistaken for a Speyside whisky in a blind tasting. However, an intense distillery character, attributed to the small stills of Edradour, remains present.

Ownership and Production Changes: The Edradour distillery, once owned by Pernod Ricard, was sold to the independent bottler Signatory Vintage in the early 2000s. The new proprietor, Andrew Symington, initiated changes in production, including the use of different cask types for maturation.
Expansion Plans: Due to the distillery's success and increased demand for Edradour single malt whiskies, plans for a new distillery near the existing one were approved, with construction expected in the mid-2010s.

Distillery Status: Edradour is noted as the smallest distillery in the Scottish Highlands, which contributes to its unique identity and the limited production volume of its whiskies.

"This is really untypical for an Edradour. I wouldn't have guessed that this one is from Edradour in a blind tasting." - Horst Luening, highlighting the unique departure from Edradour's traditional flavor profile due to bourbon cask maturation.

Edradour Bourbon Cask is a Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, matured in first-fill ex-bourbon casks.
Distilled in 2003 and bottled in 2013, it presents a soft gold color and is uncolored.
The flavor profile includes vanilla, caramel, fruitiness, and a hint of coconut, with a notable balance and complexity enhanced by water.
The whisky's production and maturation process reflect significant changes under new ownership, including experimentation with new wood types.
Edradour's status as the smallest distillery in the Scottish Highlands adds to its charm and the exclusivity of its whiskies.
The expert opinion underscores the uniqueness of this bourbon cask-matured whisky, distinguishing it from Edradour's typical sherry cask character.

Whisky Enthusiasts interested in exploring the effects of bourbon cask maturation on traditional Scotch whisky flavors.
Collectors looking for limited edition releases from small, notable distilleries.
Speyside Whisky Lovers who might appreciate a Highland whisky with uncharacteristic Speyside-like qualities due to its bourbon cask maturation.