The 12th of August “The Glorious Twelfth” saw me visiting this distillery which is located just outside Pitlochry in Perthshire.
Edradour is”world renowned as the smallest traditional distillery in Scotland and arguably the most unique. Dating back to 1825, Edradour, stands alone as the last stronghold of handmade single malt whisky from a farm distillery still in production today”.
I had previously been past this distillery, but unbeknownst to me it was closed. This time however on a grey day, it was open.
Tickets in hand we awaited the tour starting by waiting in the bar, we were then taken to the old Malt Barn to be shown an introductory film and receive our samples. They give samples at the start so that they can lead you through the process knowing what you’ve tried… Ian the guide gave us a rather animated talk and after slamming his hand on the lintel above the window several times, said “never, never put coke in your whisky”. However, I noticed people had added water to their cream liqueur. Feel he might need to add guidance on that. I tried the Ballechin which is a 10 year old, the nose was quite grassy but obviously smoky. The palate was smoky, with chocolate and hints of oak, with a nice finish. You will probably see me say this again, but I am trying to sample un-peated whiskies as there are many more expressions to try against the ones I am used to drinking. I also tried their liqueur, which was obviously creamy and nice.
On the way up to the warehouses it was pointed out to us that just through the trees across the stream that they are constructing a more or less mirror image of the distillery thus doubling its size. This includes having the current equipment replicated to ensure the continuity of standards and tastes in their whiskies.
The tour finished with us going back to the tasting bar. There I tried one of the Signatory whiskies – Auchentoshan 1999, bourbon barrel 15 year old, and then as that was served in a chipped glass I was offered another as an apology and was given a Ballechin 13 year old which was port cask matured. This had a fruity inviting nose, the palate was a wallop of smoke but smooth, it was very warming with a nice finish. But again peated.
Definitely worth a visit.
ilovewhisky 