Whisky Types: Single Malts
Typical Taste: Smooth with a creamy texture and a hint of smokiness
Edradour is Scotland’s smallest distillery and is nestled in the hills above Pitlochry in Perthshire. It was built in the nineteenth century and seems to have hardly changed over the past 170 year. This distillery produces only twelve casks of whisky a week and all whiskies are hand-made. Because of the small amount produced it can be quite hard to find a retailer where you can buy the whisky. However it is also possible to order the Whisky directly from the distillery. Even though the distillery is very small its whisky gets exported to many countries all over the world. The whisky is smooth with a creamy texture and a hint of smokiness. It has a honey-nutted finish. This whisky matures for 10 years until it reaches the peak quality. A tour through Scotland’s smallest distillery costs £5 and takes about 50 minutes. For groups of more than 15 booking is necessary. You can reach the Distillery by following the A294 from Pitlochry.
Whiskies
- Edradour Straight from the Cask – Smooth, sweet, creamy, vanilla, raisins
- Edradour 10 Year Old – Smooth, sweet, creamy, vanilla, raisins, almond
Opening Times:
January – February: Mon-Sat 10am-16pm
March – April: Mo-Sun 10am-16pm
May – October: Mo-Sun 12am-17pm
November – December: Mo-Sun 10am-16pm
Edradour Distillery: A Visitors Guide to Scotland’s Hidden Whisky Gem
Nestled in the heart of Perthshire, the Edradour Distillery has a rich history dating back to 1825. As the last remaining handmade single malt whisky farm distillery in production today, it presents a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the intricate process of whisky-making first-hand. Its picturesque ‘little Model Village’ provides an enchanting backdrop, steeped in a history of intrigue that is sure to captivate the imagination of all who visit.
The smallest distillery in Pitlochry, the Highlands, Edradour Distilleries specialise in producing a refined 10-year single malt whisky. Visitors can partake in guided tours around the site and enjoy a taste of the exclusive whisky, while insightful audiovisuals offer further comprehension of the production process.
As many reviewers have testified, the Edradour Distillery offers an interesting and captivating tour experience, led by knowledgeable guides who provide a wealth of information. This Visitor’s Guide will delve deeper into what you can expect from your visit, the rich history of the distillery, and the exquisite tastes of the renowned single malt whisky it produces.
History of Edradour Distillery
Founding and Early Years
Edradour Distillery’s origins can be traced back to 1825, when it was established in Perthshire, Scotland. At the time, the distillery laid the foundation of its reputation for producing handmade single malt whisky, a tradition that continues today. During a visit to the distillery in 1885-86, Alfred Barnard observed a barley barn, malt house, and mill all in the same building, as well as a 1,000-gallon (4,500 litres) mash tun and four washbacks with the same capacity. The wash still could hold 740 gallons (3,364 litres), while the spirit/low-wines still had a capacity of 420 gallons (1,909 litres).
Challenges and Growth
In its early years, Edradour Distillery faced several challenges. The distillery underwent changes in ownership and management during the early 20th century. Despite these hurdles, the distillery persevered and attracted thousands of visitors each year. An interesting fact is that, around 2010, the distillery would produce only 90,000 litres of malt whisky each year, while drawing approximately 100,000 visitors annually, which means that for every litre of whisky sold, one person visited Edradour.
Located near the charming town of Pitlochry in Perthshire, Edradour Distillery remains the last stronghold of handmade single malt whisky from a farm distillery still in production today, capturing the past and maintaining a spirit of intrigue amongst its visitors.
Visiting the Edradour Distillery
Tour Options
At the Edradour Distillery, visitors have the opportunity to enjoy guided tours around the site. The tours usually start with a short video providing background information on the distillery, followed by a walk through the production facilities. The guide will explain the various processes involved in producing their single malt whisky.
Views and Sceneries
Nestled in the heart of Perthshire, the picturesque village of Edradour offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can admire the traditional architecture of the distillery, with its charming stone buildings and neatly laid out grounds. The lush green hills and tranquil streams in the area add to the overall scenic beauty, making it a perfect destination for photography enthusiasts.
Tasting Experiences
During the visit to the Edradour Distillery, guests are treated to a tasting session of the exclusive 10-year single malt whisky produced on site. This sensory experience allows visitors to appreciate the complex flavours and aromas that Edradour whisky is known for. Additionally, the distillery shop offers a wide selection of their products for those interested in taking a bottle home as a keepsake or gift.
Products and Souvenirs
Whisky Collection
Edradour Distillery is well-known for its exquisite range of single malt Scotch whiskies. Visitors have the opportunity to sample and purchase a variety of their products, including:
- Edradour 10 year old: This classic single malt Scotch whisky has a smooth, creamy texture with notes of sherry, honey, and dried fruits.
- Caledonia Edradour 12 year old: Aged in Oloroso Sherry casks, this whisky has a rich flavour profile with hints of dark chocolate, spices, and dried fruit.
- Edradour Ballechin: For those who enjoy a peaty flavour, Ballechin is a heavily-peated single malt with smoky notes and a hint of fruitiness.
- Edradour Single Cask Series: These limited edition whiskies are bottled from individual casks, offering a unique taste experience that varies from cask to cask.
Merchandise
In addition to their whisky collection, Edradour Distillery also offers a selection of merchandise for visitors to choose from. Some popular items include:
- Glassware: Branded whisky glasses, such as Glencairn tasting glasses and whisky tumblers, ensure you enjoy your favourite Edradour whisky in style.
- Clothing: Souvenir clothing items, such as t-shirts, caps, and scarves, are available for purchase to remember your visit to the distillery.
- Accessories: Pick up small keepsakes like keyrings, lapel pins, coasters, or whisky-themed magnets as reminders of your trip.
Remember to visit the on-site shop to find these products and souvenirs while exploring Scotland’s smallest whisky distillery.
Nearby Attractions
Edradour Distillery, located in Pitlochry, is not only famous for its whisky but also for the attractions nearby. In this section, we will explore various options for visitors who want to have a wholesome experience while visiting the distillery.
Local Restaurants and Cafes
Pitlochry offers an array of local restaurants and cafes for you to indulge in after visiting the Edradour Distillery. Some popular options include:
- Café Name 1: A cosy café offering local delicacies and delicious coffee.
- Café Name 2: Known for its charming atmosphere and delightful baked goods.
Remember to try out the local Scottish cuisine to give your taste buds a treat!
Historical Sites
In the surrounding area of Edradour Distillery, there are several historical sites worth visiting. A few include:
- Blair Athol Distillery: Just 1.52km from Edradour Distillery, this distillery stands at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands, founded in 1798 by John Steward and Robert Robertson.
- Historical Site 2: A fascinating site that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Scotland.
These historical sites will further enhance your appreciation of the art of whisky-making and the region’s history.
Activities
Beyond whisky tasting and exploring historical sites, Pitlochry offers various activities for visitors. Here are some suggestions:
- Take a Full-day Tour of the best of Scotland in a day, which includes the Edradour Whisky Distillery Tour, priced at £1,068.19 per group (up to 8 people).
- Embark on a Bespoke 5-day Tour with your personal itinerary, providing a comprehensive experience of Scotland.
- Enjoy a Scenic Walk: The 1-mile walk to the Edradour Distillery from Pitlochry is not only a pleasant experience but also allows you to admire the picturesque views of the area.
These activities are sure to make your visit to Edradour Distillery a memorable one while exploring the beauty of Scotland.