Edradour Bordeaux Cask Finish 17 Years Old 1999

An official release of Edradour, a 17 year old, from 1999, cask 812, 822 & 823, at 55.8%, 913 bottles in all. Edradour is a creamy, sherried Highland single malt from one of the smallest distilleries in Scotland. For years its sign read Scotland's smallest distillery; it now calls itself Scotland's little gem.

It was distilled slowly in the old farm stillhouse on Ben Vrackie water, the worm tubs lending a weighty, oily character. Maturation came in a Bordeaux cask, layered over the rich Edradour make. Into oxidative maturity, slow air ingress builds fruity ethyl esters (apple and dried fruit) and a nutty, chocolate depth. A small distillery and a hands on approach shape every cask by hand. It is one of the smallest traditional distilleries in Scotland, long run by just two or three hands. It was founded in 1825, growing out of an old farmers' cooperative in the glen above Pitlochry.

Bottled at a cask strength 55.8%, it is rich. Baked apple, marzipan and a creamy malt, with a dark berry and a dry tannin from the cask. Beneath it run dried fruit, chocolate and a soft oil. The finish is rounded, fruity and gently spiced. This is a Highland single malt of real character.