Edradour 1st Fill Sauvignon Cask 11 Years Old 2012 (48.2%)

This official Edradour, an 11 year old, from 2012, cask 1001, at 48.2%. Edradour is a rich Highland malt from the pocket glen at Balnauld, distilled since 1825. Its water comes from the Ben Vrackie springs in the hills above the distillery.

Worked through Oregon pine washbacks and tiny stills for a rich, oily spirit, the worm tubs lending a weighty, oily character. First fill bourbon gave a fuller vanilla and a touch of coconut from the lactones. In integration lactones (coconut) and vanillin (vanilla) knit with the malt, the nutty chocolate deepening. The cool Highland air of the glen gives a slow, even maturation in the small Edradour warehouses. Active wood frames the rich fruit without overwhelming the oily Highland spirit. It is one of the smallest traditional distilleries in Scotland, long run by just two or three hands. It keeps the old ways, with an open cast iron mash tun, Oregon pine washbacks and worm tub condensers.

At a hearty 48.2% it carries real weight. A rich, oily orchard fruit and almond, with a soft vanilla from the oak. It is rich and oily, the full bodied spirit shining through. The finish is long, oily and gently spiced. This is a Highland single malt of real character.