Whisky Review/Tasting: Edradour 15 years Fairy Flag

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Edradour Distillery, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Initially matured in ex-bourbon casks for eight years, followed by a further seven years in fresh Oloroso sherry casks.
Age Statement: 15 years.
Color and Clarity: Described as mahogany, indicating a dark and rich color, which is notable for an uncolored whisky.
Bottle Design: Features the image of a broad back, possibly representing a fairy, alongside the fairy flag. The label recounts the legend of the clan chief of the McLeods and the fairy maiden Titania.

Balance of Flavors: Rich fruits, chocolate, and a robust, long-warming finish. The balance leans towards a deep, full aromatic profile with a medium sweet sherry influence.
Unique Characteristics: The whisky's flavor profile is significantly influenced by its dual maturation process, first in ex-bourbon casks and then in fresh Oloroso sherry casks. This process imparts complex aromas and a rich, layered taste.
Comparison: The reviewer draws a parallel with the Edradour 12 year old Caledonia, noting similar dark and rich sherry cask maturation influences.

Legend of the Fairy Flag: The whisky's name and label design are inspired by the legend of the clan chief of the McLeods and the fairy maiden Titania, which is also the subject of a feature film.
Distillery Ownership: The change in ownership of the Edradour distillery in 2002-2003 from Pernod Ricard to Andrew Symington is mentioned, highlighting the continuity and evolution of whisky production.

Edradour Distillery: Noted as having one of the smallest stills in Scotland, which contributes to the whisky's intense and full-bodied flavor profile. The distillery's traditional methods and small-scale production are emphasized as key factors in the whisky's character.

"For an uncolored whisky, it is dark. It's really dark." - Highlighting the whisky's rich color.
"This might not be airy-fairy but a very deep and full aromatic whisky." - Emphasizing the depth and complexity of the flavor profile.
"The smaller the still is, the more intense the whisky is from those stills." - Explaining the influence of still size on whisky character.

Edradour 15 years Fairy Flag is a single malt Scotch whisky with a rich, complex flavor profile resulting from dual maturation in ex-bourbon and fresh Oloroso sherry casks.
The whisky's name and design are inspired by the legend of the clan chief of the McLeods and the fairy maiden Titania.
The Edradour distillery's small stills contribute to the whisky's intense and full-bodied character.
The whisky is described as having a balance of rich fruits, chocolate, and a robust finish, with a notable depth and complexity.
The change in distillery ownership and the cultural significance of the fairy flag legend are highlighted as part of the whisky's story.

Whisky Enthusiasts: Individuals with a deep appreciation for complex, richly flavored whiskies will enjoy the Edradour 15 years Fairy Flag.
Collectors: The unique story and limited availability may appeal to collectors looking for distinctive bottles.
Fans of Sherry Cask Maturation: Those who favor the influence of sherry cask maturation on whisky will find this expression particularly appealing.
Cinema and Legend Enthusiasts: Individuals interested in the cultural and legendary aspects of whisky storytelling might be drawn to the Fairy Flag's background.