The Tuesday Review: Edradour 10-year Scotch Whisky

The best recommendation is the empty bottle

By John Barecki

With only three workers at the helm, Edradour is "the smallest whisky distillery in Scotland; possibly the smallest legal distillery of any kind in the world" (source). They turn out in a year what the big boys produce in a week. Working on a vintage system (over 100 years old) with the smallest copper stills permissible by Scottish law, Edradour produces a delicious spirit in a time-honoured way. Just recently, in 2002, the distillery returned to Scottish ownership, being previously owned by Pernod-Ricard.

Edradour 10-Year pours a deep gold in color; the fragrance is earthy caramel sweet in front with a slightly minty back. The mouthfeel is medium and smooth with the taste of honey, vanilla and malt that transitions into a more heathery floral quality with the addition of a splash of water. This whisky is a treat for the senses both in the glass and on the palate, and at $55.74 per bottle (750ml) it is one of the niceties that most can enjoy.