Edradour 2011/2023 Small Batch 12 years old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70 cl 48.2%

Barbaresco casks are a rare sight in Scottish warehouses. This 12-year-old is a small experiment where Italian red wine meets Highland malt.

The expert's description

Edradour 2011/2023 Barbaresco Casks 12 years old is a Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky matured in 1st fill Barbaresco hogsheads and bottled at 48.2%.

The whisky was distilled in March 2011 and matured for 12 years across eight 1st fill Barbaresco casks, numbers 51 to 58, before being bottled in July 2023. The Italian red wine has left a tannic, almost wine-like character in the whisky, which contrasts with Edradour's usually light and floral style. 2,921 bottles were released.

Tasting notes

Nose

Red cherries and dried rose petals, with a faintly tannic undercurrent from the wine cask and a touch of fresh malt.

Palate

Juicy red berries meet a light tannic grip, while the malt keeps a soft, honeyed base beneath the wine's intensity.

Finish

Medium length with dry tannins, a touch of pepper and a finish of dark cherries.

Specifications

Name: Edradour 2011/2023 Barbaresco Casks 12 years old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70 cl 48.2%
Distillery: Edradour
Region/Country: Highland, Scotland
Type: Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Age: 12 years
ABV: 48,2 %
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: 1st fill Barbaresco hogsheads (cask no. 51-58)
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Natural colour: Yes
Distillation method: Double distilled
Distilled: March 2011
Bottled: 03/07/2023
Number of bottles: Only 2,921 bottles
EAN no.: 5021944123568

Flavour profile

Fruity · Spicy · Fresh

Did you know?

Edradour is one of the few Scottish distilleries actively experimenting with Italian wine casks such as Barbaresco — a cask type far more common in cognac and rum than in whisky.

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Frequently asked questions about Edradour 2011/2023 Barbaresco Casks 12 yo

What is a Barbaresco cask?

It's a cask that previously held Barbaresco, an Italian red wine from Piedmont made from Nebbiolo grapes. The cask gives the whisky a tannic, wine-like character.

Is this whisky very sweet?

No, it's drier and more tannin-driven than a classic sherry or port cask whisky, with a tart fruitiness rather than pure sweetness.

How many bottles exist?

2,921 bottles were drawn from the eight Barbaresco casks.

Would this whisky suit a wine lover new to whisky?

Yes, the wine-like, tannic character can be a good entry point for someone who usually drinks red wine rather than whisky.

Is it peated?

No, this is Edradour's unpeated core style, shaped entirely by the wine cask.

How is it best served?

In a nosing glass at room temperature, ideally with a small splash of water to open up the wine-like aromas.