Edradour The Ultimate 2010 9y Cask #389

Introduction

I was impressed by the 2011 cask #30 and got my hands on a few samples of similar Edradours from van Wees / The Ultimate, so let's see how they compare.

Color

1.6 (Mahogany)

Nose

Soft, considering the strength. Sharp and fresh sherry, cinnamon, oranges, perfume, mint. Lots going on, interesting and enjoyable.

Palate

I expected a similar attack like cask #30 offered, but this here is considerably quieter. Certainly a sherry bomb in every way, though. Thick, spicy and fruity.

Finish

Here's when things sadly turn a bit worse. The spirit cannot really hold back some burned, rubbery notes and is rather short. Not at all like #30, which grew rather than took a wrong turn. We do get a nice warmth and some spice but the burnt toast sadly ruins the last part of this experience.

Summary

In many ways different from the one other bottling I've had. I do have another 9y Edradour from van Wees / The Ultimate waiting on me so it will be interesting to see how it hold up against #30 and #389. This was in every way fine and tasty up until the finish. Nothing exactly bad tasting, but it just didn't make it all the way. Nose - excellent. Palate - tasty. Finish - meh. A good whisky still, but not close to the fantastic #30.

Score

79 / 100

0-50 Subpar 51-60 Drinkable 61-70 Decent 71-80 Good 81-90 Great 91-100 Fantastic

Image used with permission from www.scotchwhiskyauctions.com

Country	Scotland
Region	Highland
Brand	Edradour
Distillery	Edradour Distillery
Bottler	The Ultimate
Bottling Range	The Ultimate
Abv (%)	59
Production Year	2010
Age	9
Batch/Cask	Cask #389
Cask Type	First fill sherry butt