Edinburgh Castle 10 Years
High above Castle Rock, amidst the Scottish capital, majestically stands Edinburgh Castle. This historic landmark is cared for and preserved by Historic Environment Scotland (HES). It is there that Edinburgh Castle 10 was created, a single malt whisky paying homage to Scotland's most significant attraction. Today, we take the time to explore its taste.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Upon the first sip, this whisky unfolds with a robust, earthy note. We are in disagreement, speculating if a hint of smoke might be lingering in the glass. Given a little time, it opens up and reveals nuances of vanilla, honey, and buttery biscuits, accompanied by a slight bitterness of orange peel.
Palate
On the tip of the tongue, Edinburgh Castle 10 initially delivers an intensely fruity sweetness, evoking thoughts of red fruits, particularly creamy candies. The oily mouthfeel carries the flavors of vanilla, cereal, and honey, all while maintaining its intense earthiness and hints of bitter orange — again perhaps even a touch of smoke?
Finish
In the medium-length finish, earthy notes return, accompanied by a hint of oak wood and a sweet-spicy aftertaste, completing the experience.
Thoughts
Marcel 78/100
Edinburgh Castle 10 is a true character whisky that pleasantly surprises with its earthy depth and sweet vanilla notes. Quite unusual for a Highlander, but that's exactly what makes it so enjoyable to drink – a whisky that never bores and leaves you wanting more.
Sascha 77/100
The Edinburgh Castle 10 strikes a successful balance between earthy and fruity aromas, with its moderate strength providing a subtle yet complex structure. Despite minor blurriness in the smoke and wood notes, it convinces as a harmoniously composed Highland single malt.
Value for Money: Fair
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What makes the Edinburgh Castle 10 years special compared to other Highland whiskies?
The Edinburgh Castle 10 years is distinguished by its earthy and lightly smoky notes, accompanied by sweet aromas such as vanilla, honey, and orange peel. This combination gives it a balanced complexity despite its 10 years of maturation, typical of the Highlands but with its own distinctive character.
How should one best enjoy the Edinburgh Castle 10 years to fully appreciate its aromas?
It is recommended to drink the whisky at room temperature and let it breathe briefly in the glass before tasting, so the complex aromas of vanilla, honey, and earthy notes can fully develop. A few drops of water can also help to highlight the fruity and smoky nuances.
Are there any clues about the distillery or the independent bottler of the Edinburgh Castle 10 years?
The Edinburgh Castle 10 years is offered as an independent bottling, but neither the exact distillery nor the bottler is officially disclosed. This is common with many independent bottlings, aiming to focus attention on the taste and uniqueness of the whisky.