Edradour Bourbon Barrel Matured 21 Years Old 2003

Edradour from the distillery, a 21 year old, from 2003, cask 67-73, at 54.3%, 1126 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 from unpeated malt in tiny copper stills and worm tubs, the worm tubs lending a weighty, oily character. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, oak lactones lending vanilla and a little coconut. At oxidative maturity aldehydes lend a nutty edge while ellagitannins add a gentle, drying grip over the oily malt. Maturation in the dunnage warehouses at Pitlochry is slow and steady. Its tiny copper stills and worm tubs give a rich, oily, full bodied spirit. Long ageing turns the rich make towards dried fruit, fig and a soft spice. Ben Vrackie water and a long ferment give the rich Edradour make.

At a natural 54.3% it is full and oily. A full, fruity sweetness, with a soft vanilla from the oak. A baked apple and a gentle spice lift it. The finish is rounded, fruity and gently spiced. This is a rich Highland malt from the pocket glen at Pitlochry.