Edradour Caledonia 12 Year Old

Not especially complex, certainly not as treacly as sherry cask maturation can be, but everyone who tried it was happy.

Sampled at the distillery and quickly became a family favourite. Good, wholesome and traditional stuff, with its own quirky character, just like the distillery - well worth a visit. Nose: Gentle sherry and smooth, lightly spiced oak. Honey and cream, touch of nutmeg and dried Christmas fruits, and a hint of peel. Palate: Well-rounded and quite thick with a rich sherry tone and more dried fruits. Honey and treacle flavours develop, and that toasty butteriness identified above really comes through. Subtle hint of nuts. Finish: Good length, warming with more toasted oak and malty butter notes. Quite dry with more nutmeg and spices, and a hint of heather honey sweetness. A drop of water brings out the sweetness and more of the nutty tones, making almonds and pecans identifiable, nicely complimenting the vanilla.