Edradour Bourbon Cask Matured Natural Cask Strength

I'm a big fan of Edradour, appreciating its fine sherry-forward expressions, beautiful reddish hue, and intense aroma. I'm familiar with the 'Ibisco' bottle, resembling a milk jug, but haven't tried their golden-colored releases. This golden expression is notably different from the Edradour I know, suggesting maturation solely in bourbon casks, not sherry. This review covers a 2012 vintage, 10 years old, bottled at 58.9% ABV, single malt matured in bourbon casks, drawn from casks No. 223, 224, 225, 227, 228, 229 + 230 as indicated on the bottle. On the nose, it delivers exactly what's expected: bananas, light rum, pronounced vanilla, glazed ham... and possibly a hint of peat? It's like vanilla ice cream. On the palate, it presents a skillfully executed, elegant vanilla flavor. Notes of Brie cheese and various spices are present. The finish echoes the palate. Peppery, spicy, with banana and coconut notes. A bronzing effect. Overall, the robust 58.9% ABV brings out the most classic characteristics from bourbon casks. The vanilla sweetness, banana, and coconut are simply remarkable. I find this to be a very well-balanced dram, and for a 10-year-old, it's definitely worth trying. My rating is 88 out of 100.

The aroma offers notes of rum-soaked raisins, chocolate-covered cherry candies, blood oranges, hazelnuts, baked apples, and a whisper of cappuccino. These citrusy scents become more prominent on the palate, revealing sherry sweetness, fruitcake, dried foliage, and subtle sultana raisins beneath the opulent taste. The lengthy conclusion is somewhat bitter, featuring figs, raisins, and a hint of dried tobacco leaves. This expression strongly resembles Aberlour A'Bunadh but delivers a powerful sherry character without overwhelming sweetness and less alcoholic warmth, despite being bottled at a slightly lower proof (A'Bunadh is 120 proof). As remembered, A'Bunadh had more of a solvent-like quality, with papaya and honey on the finish, plus a peppery note, which are not present in this Edradour. Exceptional all around.

A- amber-2, thick body. With water: N- fruity, citrus zest, mandarin, tart apples, vanilla, sweet nectar, wood. P- fiery start, slightly harsh (improved with more water), substantial, decadent, slick, honey, vanilla, caramel, tart apples, mandarin, citrus zest, lemons, wood. F- lingering finish, a sweet, fruity, woody aftertaste. C- I had been wanting to taste this for a long time because Edradour mostly crafts sherry cask whisky. I was quite doubtful initially, but this pour genuinely impresses, providing a delightful experience.

If you must choose between the Bourbon Cask Strength and the Sherry expression, go with this one. It's fantastic! Sure, the aroma is basic, though some might detect malt and yeast. Mostly it's just floral. On the palate, you'll find citrus and nuttiness – quite enjoyable, but not amazing. The ending is like a nervous first-timer.

The aroma is mostly citrusy, with hints of chocolate milk, warm spices, and a subtle floral scent appearing before the initial taste. The palate is rich and full, presenting notes of orange, nutmeg, and new wood. It concludes with a medium-length finish that leaves a slightly cooling sensation. A solid whiskey, all things considered.

Feel free to add as much or as little water as you prefer to this 59.2% ABV beauty. Water does not detract from it. It's sweet and complex. The aroma, taste, and finish are all wonderful. If you desire an amazing, unpeated, and non-sherried whisky, consider this one.