Edradour Natural Cask Strength 13 Years Old 1989

Edradour from the distillery, a 13 year old, from 1989, cask 358, at 57.2%, 618 bottles in all. Edradour is a Highland single malt from a 19th century farm distillery run by a handful of hands. It was founded in 1825, growing out of an old farmers' cooperative in the glen above Pitlochry.

It was worked through Oregon pine washbacks and tiny stills for a rich, oily spirit, for the rich, oily make Edradour is known for. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, oak lactones lending vanilla and a little coconut. Through integration spirit and wood marry, vanillin settling into a rounded vanilla as ethyl esters lend a riper apple and dried fruit. Refill oak lets the rich, oily Edradour character lead the way. It is one of the smallest traditional distilleries in Scotland, long run by just two or three hands. Ben Vrackie water and a long ferment give the rich Edradour make.

At 57.2%, undiluted, it is deep and concentrated. Baked apple, marzipan and a creamy malt, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Fig, nut and a creamy malt fill the middle. The finish runs long, nutty and warming. This is a Highland single malt of real character.