Whisky Review/Tasting: Edradour Barolo Cask

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: The Edradour Barolo Cask Matured Single Malt Whisky is from Scotland, specifically from the Edradour distillery.
Type: It is a single malt whisky.
Distillation and Maturation Process: This whisky is matured in Barolo wine casks from the Piedmont region in northwest Italy. The casks are freshly emptied Barolo hogsheads, which impart a vibrant color and depth of flavor to the whisky.
Age Statement: Bottled in April 2014, there is no specific age statement, but the maturation process is noted to be relatively quick due to the freshly filled French oak casks.
Color and Bottle Design: The whisky has a vibrant color, likely influenced by the Barolo cask. The bottle design specifics are not mentioned, but there is a distinction made between this and other bottles with colored wooden boxes, indicating a premium presentation.

Balance of Flavors: The whisky exhibits a complex balance of fruitiness, spiciness, and mild bitterness.
Unique Characteristics: Notable for its mouth-filling intensity, the flavor profile includes sweet fruity notes reminiscent of cherries, mild spiciness, caramel, and a light bitterness akin to dark chocolate or espresso coffee.
Comparison: It is distinguished from other whiskies finished in Barolo casks by its elegance, smoothness, and how well the distillery character, cask, fruit, and other flavors match.

Anecdotes: Horst Luening, the master taster, shares a personal story of being invited to the Edradour Distillery in 2005 by Andrew Symington, the proprietor, to witness the progress of the Barolo cask maturation.

Barolo Wine Influence: The use of Barolo wine casks from Piedmont, Italy, for maturation adds a unique cultural and geographical layer to the whisky, blending Scottish distillation with Italian winemaking traditions.

Opinions: Horst Luening praises the whisky for its complexity, full flavor, and perfect timing in bottling, indicating it has reached the peak of maturation.
Quotes: "Wonderful! Wonderful! Have a look at your local dealer. Hurry up to get some bottles."

Edradour Barolo Cask Matured Single Malt Whisky is matured in Barolo wine casks, imparting a vibrant color and complex flavor profile.
The whisky features a balance of sweet fruitiness, mild spiciness, caramel, and a light bitterness.
Horst Luening shares a personal anecdote about visiting the Edradour Distillery and witnessing the maturation process.
The use of Barolo casks adds a unique cultural touch, blending Scottish and Italian traditions.
Luening highly praises the whisky for its complexity and perfect timing of bottling.

Whisky Enthusiasts: Those with a keen interest in unique cask finishes and the interplay between whisky and wine flavors.
Collectors: Given its limited edition nature and the potential for more batches, collectors may find this whisky a valuable addition.
Beginners: May find this whisky intriguing due to its complex flavor profile, though the price point may be a consideration.
Italian Wine Lovers: Individuals with an appreciation for Barolo wine might particularly enjoy the crossover of flavors.