Edradour 12 year old 1st-fill Burgundy Hogsheads

Profile: The Edradour 12 year old 1st-fill Burgundy Hogsheads at a glance

• Edradour 12 year old – Highland tradition with a Burgundian accent
• Matured in 1st-fill Burgundy hogsheads – Pinot Noir meets pot still
• Small batch – artisanal, limited, and highly sought-after
• Distilled August 2013, bottled April 2026 – twelve years of "whispering to the casks"
• No coloring, non-chill filtered – as natural as the hills of Pitlochry

Portrait: What makes the Edradour 12 year old 1st-fill Burgundy Hogsheads special

Anyone who thinks the Scottish Highlands are nothing but swirling mist and sighing bagpipes has never visited Edradour. This small, historic distillery in Pitlochry is well-sheltered in the "rain shadow" of the Grampian Mountains. This means more sunshine, longer summer days, and a climate that almost evokes a holiday feeling - at least by Scottish standards.

Edradour is considered one of the country's smallest traditional distilleries. Operations here still rely on modest-sized stills, a great deal of manual labor, and a healthy dose of patience. Mass production? Not a chance. Instead, the result is small batches full of character - in a sense, unique liquid expressions clad in a kilt.

The Edradour 12 year old 1st-fill Burgundy Hogsheads is a prime example. Distilled in August 2013 and bottled in April 2026, it spent twelve years maturing in first-fill Burgundy wine hogsheads. These casks previously held Pinot Noir - imparting a touch of French elegance to the Scottish Highlands. You could call it a Highlander on a stylish wine tour to Burgundy: no passport required, but plenty of time in its luggage.

It comes as no surprise that Edradour knows exactly which whiskies suit the warmer months. When the sun shines over Pitlochry longer than elsewhere in western Scotland, the whiskies maturing here develop a distinctively summery flair.

Two small-batch releases have been prepared for the warmer months - and this 12-year-old, Burgundy-matured expression is certainly among the most charming of the lot.

It embodies the very essence of Edradour: tradition, an adventurous spirit regarding cask selection, and the conviction that greatness has nothing to do with production volume. Small, distinctive, and with an international flair - a true Highlander with French *savoir-vivre*, proving that good things sometimes require twelve years and a touch of Pinot Noir heritage.

Distilled: August 2013
Bottled: April 2026

Tasting Notes: This is how the Edradour 12 year old 1st-fill Burgundy Hogsheads tastes like

• Nose: Complex and inviting, with distinct notes of red fruit. Ripe cherries, raspberries, and a hint of redcurrant rise to the fore. Underlying these are delicate vanilla aromas, a touch of caramel, and a subtle, earthy depth. With time, subtle spice notes emerge, alongside an elegant, vinous undertone that evokes the casks' previous Pinot Noir contents.
• Palate: Round and harmonious on the palate, with a balanced blend of fruitiness and spice. Notes of dried cherries and red berries meet soft vanilla and a hint of dark chocolate. Subtle woody spice provides structure, while the texture feels pleasantly smooth. The influence of the first-fill Burgundy hogsheads lends the whisky elegant depth and a slightly earthy nuance.
• Finish: Long and pleasantly warming. Notes of red fruit slowly fade, accompanied by delicate spice and a subtle, dry woody tone. A hint of vanilla and gentle earthiness lingers, ensuring a balanced, enduring finish.