Whiffs of weirdness with Edradour No. 2 (and 1)
Let us get properly weird today and let us taste a new distillery that is also an old distillery. The anomaly in question is the construction of Edradour Number 2, which was commissioned in 2018. Technically, I believe it is not allowed to bill these two distilleries as separate entities, and I am sure the new outfit is basically the same as the 200 years old original distillery. Still, owner Andrew Symington released a few expressions that are explicitly labeled as coming from “Edradour No. 2”. The Inaugural Release was done by Signatory, also owned by Andrew, and is a bottling that at the same time commemorates the 200th anniversary of Edradour in general. So, an official independent bottling of a new wing of an old distillery. Or something like that… are you still there? Oh hell, let’s just get to the tasting notes! I got two expressions from Edradour No. 2 and also one from Edradour No. 1. (Thanks Harro for sharing these samples with me!)
Edradour 2018 – distilled at Edradour No. 2, bottled at 57,1 % abv by Signatory
First things first: A single malt whisky from the year Edradour No. 2 was commissioned. Bottled on 19 September 2025 at 7 years old after maturing in first-fill oloroso sherry butts.
Upon Sipping: Beautiful and authentic handwritten label. At first whiff, there is no doubt we have the funky Edradour in the glass, always introducing itself with a whiff of mushrooms. The spirit is clearly young and unpolished, even though the sherry butts smoothed things over quite nicely already. This results in a mix of damp earth under your shoe after a walk in the woods, mushroom indeed, a hint of truffle, but also hazelnut and dark berries. Balanced and pleasant, not unlike most of the 100 proof series expressions. On the palate, the chocolate notes rule supreme, before a more earthen note takes over. Oh, this is so singular, I do not know many distilleries with such unique character. That alone is the reason why Edradour made it to a bicentennial, despite for many decades being the smallest distillery in Scotland. The tastes vary from dry barley and oak to nutty chocolate. It is quite strong on full strength, but you can drink this undiluted with no problems. Still, I added some water to see if there are nuances. I feel the sherry is a bit overpowering at this point. The nose offers a scent of baked crisps, potato mash with sausage and gravy on top. The palate becomes a bit dull, due to the sherry influence. I feel this could now be any whisky, but luckily there is a whiff of weirdness that reminds us that this is indeed Edradour – no matter where the stills stand. So, we go out on more heavy chocolate and nutty influences,
Word to the Wise: A bottling that would seamlessly fit into the 100 proof range by Signatory, but enough Edradour in there to keep us hooked. Good quality stuff, that will please hardcore Edradour fans and naturally shock the casual whisky drinker who never tasted Edradour.
Score: 84 points.
Edradour 2018 – Anniversary Release, bottled at 57,1 % abv by Signatory Vintage
First things first: Same livery, but this time the bottle is dedicated to Andrew Symington’s 40 years in the whisky industry. Distilled in 2018 and bottled in 2026, this 8 years old Edradour was made at No. 2 and matured in first-fill Chateauneuf du Pape Red Wine casks.
Upon Sipping: Oh my, this red wine is talkative, I am a little scared. Halloween whisky! Creamy strawberry on the nose, whiffs of wine cask sulphur, undeniably. I have to work really hard to discover Edradour underneath these layers. I am sure water will help with that. On the palate, this Edradour No. 2 is surprisingly sweet and gentle, I feel the casks have done a better job mellowing the fierce character of young Edradour. It results in a creamy soft malt with fruity flavours, but not the fruit itself but processed, like a smoothie or a milkshake. I have to say I prefer this to the harsher oloroso we tasted before. The finish is pleasantly spicy and only on the aftertaste, in the lingering let’s say, there is a hint of truffle. Edradour is home! Then, the splash of water. Now we get more sulphur on the nose but when that settles the strawberry returns. Some classic funky notes lurk in the background, but the red wine casks keep them at bay. The palate suffers from water, turning the taste dry and rubbery, but adds some spiciness to the finish.
Word to the Wise: Of course with this bottling the cask takes the spotlight, but it works rather well. If you appreciate the classic influences of wine cask on your whisky, you will probably like this bottling even more than I do, but even for me (not liking wine cask matured Scotch) this was a good trip. Slightly better balanced also than the Inaugural Release of Edradour No. 2.
Score: 85 points.
Edradour 2020 – Anniversary Release, bottled at 57,1 % abv by Signatory Vintage
First things first: Another anniversary release for Andrew Symington, but this was distilled at the old distillery, or Edradour No. 1. I truly wonder how the SWA appreciates this! Bottled in 2026 at 6 years old, matured in PX hogsheads.
Upon Sipping: Back to sherry matured Edradour, and it must be fierce, judging by the very dark golden brown colour! As I by now expect, the casks dominate the conversation, being very loud on plums, dates and cherries. A hint of truffle reminds us this is indeed Edradour. A hint of cigar too, or cigar smoke. Nice nose, but a bit closed. We will use water with care later on. The palate is surprisingly dry, I have to say, with dark chocolate notes appearing and a pleasant, red fruit infused wood note. With water the red fruit bursts from the glass! Good, classic PX whisky here, but mostly PX. When you try really hard, you will succeed in finding a nice, earthy note that reminds us of Edradour, but by now we can say that all three bottlings in this blog showcase the wonderful casks that Signatory owns. If you are looking for a classic sherry monster, this would be my pick for recommendation. With the tiniest drop of water, this sample was the most Edradour of the three. There is a delightful funkiness lurking and popping its head in this Edradour 2020.
Word to the Wise: Really good PX maturation, but there is still Edradour soul to be found in this bottling. The PX is strong, granted, but it works quite well with the whisky to create something to really sink your teeth into. Happy anniversary, Andrew!
Score: 87 points.