Edradour 12yo (57%, OB, ‘Gaja Barolo’, 464 Bts., D’ 23/01/1196 B’ 29/04/2008)

‘Bottled by hand, in Scotland’. So says the label. The nose is some what Speyside like in character and quite strong along with some very light heathery notes, light cut grass, malt and some honey. More time in the glass brings out more of the honey and heather. The diluted nose brings out more and now it is significantly fruitier which is nice. The undiluted taste is strong, syrupy sweet (like honey glazed heather) followed by more of the fragrant heather which is not significantly stronger than on the nose. The diluted taste is gentler, smoother and more drinkable. Some dry wood notes pop up unexpectedly. The finish is sappy, flirting with soapy, cloying and long. The sweetness flits in and out however the sappiness is mildly disturbing. After a while some malt arrives to restore some order. The malt is long but the very light sappiness is always lurking in the back ground. After a few minutes the malt is much more evident.

Actually quite nice and opens up with some water. Interesting. After a while. The sappiness/soapiness is verging on problematic.

£40 (a tad pricey for a wee 500ml bottle)

Score 79

http://www.edradour.co.uk/