Description

Edradour 2012 Aged 13 Years Sauternes Cask Matured Small Batch Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Volume: 700ml           ABV: 48.2%           Age: 13 Years Old           Country: Scotland

Distilled: April 2012
Bottled: 9th July 2025

The Whisky

Indulge in the decadent marriage of Highland grit and French elegance with the Edradour 13 Year Old Sauternes Cask Matured. Distilled in April 2012 and matured exclusively for 13 years in premium Sauternes wine casks, this small batch expression was bottled on July 9th, 2025. Presented at a robust 48.2% ABV, it serves as a testament to Edradour’s mastery of full term wine maturation, steering clear of the “finishing” trend to allow the honeyed influence of the Bordeaux dessert wine to fully permeate the spirit.

This 2025 batch was selected for its exceptional syrupy texture. Edradour’s heavy, oily new make spirit is one of the few in Scotland capable of standing up to over a decade in “wet” Sauternes wood without being overwhelmed. The result is a non-chill filtered and naturally coloured malt that bridges the gap between a classic Highland dram and a luxurious dessert wine.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: A luscious opening of honeyed apricots, peaches in syrup, and beeswax. There is a distinct floral top note of honeysuckle, underpinned by the distillery’s signature earthy warehouse funk and a hint of toasted brioche.

Palate: The mouthfeel is incredibly thick and coating. Initial flavours of sultanas, lemon curd, and heather honey are met by a spicy surge of white pepper and crystallised ginger. Mid-palate, notes of roasted almonds and vanilla bean emerge, providing a creamy counterpoint to the wine’s acidity.

Finish: Long, sweet, and drying. The finish lingers with dried pineapple and orange marmalade, finally tapering off with a sophisticated touch of nutmeg and soft oak tannins.

The Distillery

Edradour, nestled in a picturesque glen above Pitlochry, was long famous for being the smallest distillery in Scotland. While they have recently expanded, they maintain a steadfast commitment to traditional, “low-tech” production. A unique factual detail: Edradour still utilises a Morton refrigerator—the last of its kind in the industry—to cool their wort. This antique piece of equipment, combined with their remarkably small stills, ensures a spirit that is heavy, robust, and packed with the long chain esters that provide its legendary oily mouthfeel.

Overall Review

The Edradour 13 Year Old Sauternes Matured (2025) is globally reviewed as a “sumptuous and well integrated” masterpiece. Critics have praised it for avoiding the cloying sweetness often found in wine matured whiskies, instead delivering a balanced, high proof experience that is mandatory for fans of the distillery’s “Small Batch” series.