Edradour 1993 Vintage Cask #8/737/4

Edradour from the distillery, an 18 year old, from 1993, cask 8/737/4, at 52.7%, 303 bottles in all. Edradour is a small, traditional Highland single malt, owned by Signatory since 2002. Under Signatory the range has grown to a wide run of sherry and wine cask bottlings.

Worked through Oregon pine washbacks and tiny stills for a rich, oily spirit, the worm tubs lending a weighty, oily character. A Sauternes cask held it, shaping the oily spirit over the years. Into oxidative maturity, slow air ingress builds fruity ethyl esters (apple and dried fruit) and a nutty, chocolate depth. Active wood frames the rich fruit without overwhelming the oily Highland spirit. A gentle maturation suits the oily make, the nutty richness growing with time. It once supplied blends such as House of Lords and King's Ransom. For years its sign read Scotland's smallest distillery; it now calls itself Scotland's little gem.

Bottled at a cask strength 52.7%, it is rich. A full, fruity sweetness, with honeyed apricot and a candied citrus from the cask. The texture is oily and creamy, the fruit lifted by vanilla. A long, nutty finish carries dried fruit and a soft spice. This is a Highland single malt of real character.