For such a small distillery, Edradour has a remarkably wide range of different expressions. So what I want to do in the future is some sort miniseries where I compare an expression form their ‘Cask Matured’ Series (full matured in different wine casks, bottled at 46%) with its respective counterpart from their ‘Straight From The Cask’ Series (finished in different wine casks, bottled at cask strength). I am honestly excited to find out how the different maturation process and the different bottling strength fare against each other.

For the start I picked the Edradour 2003 Chardonnay Cask Matured (Batch 2) which will compete against the Edradour 2000 ‘Straight From The Cask’ Chardonnay Finish.

Normally, I do not put an emphasis on the color of whisky but here I am really impressed by it. Keep in mind, this single malt was matured for only nine short years and Edradour never colors. So they must have been used some exceptional casks I guess.

Facts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name:	Edradour 2003 Chardonnay Cask Matured (Batch 2)
Distilled:	December 2003
Bottled:	February 2013
Age:	9 Years Old
Category:	Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Distillery:	Edradour
Cask Type:	Chardonnay Casks
Number of Bottles:	2,150
Strength:	46.0% vol.
Colored:	No
Chill Filtered:	No

Nose

Earth, hints of oak and something that reminds me of noble rot from Sauternes wines. Grapes, figs, dates and raisins. Followed by a lot of honey and sweet toffee.

Taste

Sweet with a lot of lavender honey. A short intermezzo of white pepper followed by sour citrus fruits.

Finish

Long and sweet with a bit of dry oak and spices.

Overall

Not what I would have necessarily expected from a full maturation in Chardonnay casks but I really enjoyed the uniqueness of it.

Score: 86 / 100