Edradour Vintage Bordeaux Cask Finish 21 Years Old 1999

An official release of Edradour, a 21 year old, from 1999, cask 805+806, at 55.8%, 580 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.

Made in the smallest of stills and condensed in worm tubs, for the rich, oily make Edradour is known for. A Bordeaux cask held it, shaping the oily spirit over the years. At oxidative maturity aldehydes lend a nutty edge while ellagitannins add a gentle, drying grip over the oily malt. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and coconut over the fruit. Its water comes from the Ben Vrackie springs in the hills above the distillery. It is one of the smallest traditional distilleries in Scotland, long run by just two or three hands.

At a natural 55.8% it is full and oily. Dried fruit, chocolate and a nutty oil, with a dark berry and a dry tannin from the cask. A dried fruit and a polished oak give it depth. Dried fruit, chocolate and a soft oak see out a long finish. This is the oily, rich malt of tiny Edradour.