EDRADOUR 10 Year Old 2012 Bourbon Antipodes, 59.4% ABV

Although Edradour has built its reputation in large part from its extremely dark and intense sherry cask bottlings, this version is stunning proof that first-fill bourbon cask maturations also suit this Highland single malt perfectly! Creating a striking parallel with elements of great Loire white wines, and more specifically those from the Savennières appellation, behind a fantastic malty bitterness, this single cask reveals herbaceous, floral and fruity aromas and the imprint of a remarkably fresh distillate.

Tasting Notes

Nose: rich, heady. The mentholated first nose is characterised by notes of freshly cut grass, aniseed, oak stave and cypress tree. Allowed to breathe, aromas of a very pure spirit occupy the heart of the aroma palette. On the edges we find white florals (lily of the valley, lily), citrus fruit (lemon, grapefruit), green liquorice, acacia honey and walnut stain.

Palate: dense, concentrated. The magnificently peppery attack also reveals particularly delicate eucalyptus, green almond and fresh walnut flavours. The liquorice mid-palate develops refreshingly into notes of white mint, fresh ginger and pine resin. Gradually, the flavour palette brings to mind delicious sweet treats (calisson d’Aix, bêtise de Cambrai mint sweets). At the end of the palate, William’s pear and Golden Delicious apples add a fruity touch to this vegetal universe.

Finish: long, well-rounded. Abundantly fruity (pear, greengage plum, banana, medlar), the start of the finish creates a lively relay and unveils notes of liquorice stick, walnut and chervil that recall the herbaceous character of the nose. In unison, the end of the palate adds a handful of garden vegetables (courgette, green tomato, green bean). On the retro-nasal olfaction, lime blossom honey and plant infusions (verbena, sage) arrive with perfect timing to refresh the palate. The heady empty glass reveals aromas of distillate, wash, mustard poultice and lemon balm.

Key Information

Serving Suggestions
First things first, be comfortable, relaxed and free from distractions. Pour a healthy amount (15-25ml) into a nosing glass (e.g., glencairn) and let it sit for a while. We recommend a minute of resting in the glass for every year in the cask. Otherwise, let it settle down for 5-10 minutes at least.

Help yourself to a 'warm up dram' in the meantime - something simple to open up the palate. When ready, start nosing the spirit, followed by sipping it (noting how it arrives on your palate and its development), and finally the finish. Take your time to get to know the spirit, noting its expression, character, depth, complexity and flavours. These can all change with adding drops of water so play around to find different sides of the spirit and identity a personal sweet spot for yourself!

But always remember, the best way to drink it is the way you like it!