Edradour, part of the Signatory Vintage group since 2002, is famous for its finishes, so much that it’s almost impossible to say they have a house style.
This 1997 vintage has spent most of its time in regular hogsheads, but it received a second maturation in Sauternes casks. It’s bottled in the Straight from the Cask series, which means it’s single cask and cask strength.
Edradour 11 yo 1997 Sauternes finish (56,6%, OB 2009,
451 btl. 50 cl.)
Edradour 11 yo 1997 Sauternes finish (56,6%, OB 2009,Nose: starts malty with a background of sulphury organics and hints of rubber. After some breathing, it has some glorious moments in which the sweet wine sparkles and a lot of cinnamon emerges, together with some flowers. The more time you give it, the sweeter it gets, but it’s never really fresh. Water seems to help though, it enhances the flowery side and shows apricot notes.
Mouth: fierce attack (duh). Now the fruitiness is nicer, with orange candy, peaches and hints of mint. Not as sweet as I had expected. Water is an improvement again – it brings a nice balance between honey and spices.
Finish: dry, peppery and quite woody but still nicely candied as well.
A difficult one. It definitely needs water, but even then the organics are a bit disturbing. Around € 55.
Score: 66/100