edradour 2009 vw

Distillery: Edradour Bottler: van Wees (vW) Bottling Series: The Ultimate - Cask Strength Vintage: 2011-01-28 Bottled: 2020-04-16 Stated Age: 9 years Cask Type: 1st Fill Sherry Butt Strength: 58.5% Vol. Nose: Initially closed and subdued, perhaps due to being freshly poured. It evokes a distinct smoky, ashen aroma rather than a typical peaty one. Upon closer inspection of this scent, it resembles the dark, damp smell of a narrow alleyway with only one streetlamp on at 2 AM. After some time, dried berries subtly emerge from behind the dense smoke, though they are difficult to discern due to the darkness. Adding a few drops of water significantly enhances the dried fruit aroma. Palate: Upon the first taste, a cigar aroma enters the mouth, followed by a burst of spice, then a rapid onset of woodiness and the slightly bitter taste of the paper lining a cake or castella. Subsequently, persistent bitterness, dried fruits, and rich sherry are detected. After 15-20 minutes, the character truly comes alive, revealing hints of milk chocolate alongside the dried fruits. I recall experiencing milk chocolate in other well-aired Edradour expressions, bringing back that memory. Finish: Initially, the outgoing breath brings to mind damp oak and a struck match that is immediately extinguished by raindrops. Even after opening up, the slightly bitter oak dominates, holding back the sweet berry flavors. It lingers for a considerable time with a robust outgoing breath. One-liner: A detective smoking a cigarette in a narrow, rain-soaked alley at 2 AM. Surprisingly, also a caring and gentle father who smiles at home. A critique of light, direct, and intensely sweet sherry drams.

Nose - cherry, oak, chocolate Palate - identical to the nose; overall full and rich Finish - slightly sharper, likely due to the proof, which adds character positively Overall - excellent for its flavor and richness without being overwhelming

Aroma: dried figs, cocoa, dark cherries Taste: fortified wine, dark chocolate Aftertaste: enduring, spiced apple juice, fruit preserve Remarkably mellow given it's full proof. Bold tastes. These individual cask selections can be inconsistent, but this particular one was excellent.