The Little Distillery That Could

Tucked away in the rolling hills of Pitlochry, Perthshire, Edradour Distillery stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of traditional Scotch whisky-making. Established in 1825, Edradour has long been celebrated for its commitment to artisanal methods and its resistance to industrial homogenization. Despite its modest size, the distillery has carved out a significant niche in the whisky world, offering expressions that are rich in character and steeped in history.​

A Storied Past: From Farmstead to Whisky Haven

Edradour's origins trace back to a cooperative of local farmers who, in the early 19th century, pooled their resources to establish a distillery that would serve their community. Over the years, the distillery changed hands multiple times, with each owner contributing to its evolving legacy. In 2002, a significant chapter began when Andrew Symington, founder of Signatory Vintage, acquired Edradour, bringing it back under Scottish ownership and infusing it with renewed vigor. ​

Craftsmanship Over Mass Production

Edradour's production methods are a nod to a bygone era. The distillery operates with a single pair of pot stills—the wash still with a capacity of 4,200 liters and the spirit still at 2,200 liters. This setup yields approximately 100,000 litres of whisky annually, a volume that underscores the distillery's commitment to quality over quantity. 

The distillation process is further distinguished by the use of worm tub condensers, a traditional method that imparts a distinctive character to the spirit. Edradour's adherence to such time-honoured techniques ensures that each bottle encapsulates the essence of Highland whisky-making. ​

A Symphony of Flavours: The Edradour Range

Edradour's portfolio is a reflection of its innovative spirit and respect for tradition. The distillery offers a diverse array of expressions, each showcasing unique maturation processes and flavour profiles.​

• Edradour 10 Year Old – The Distillery Edition: A classic Highland single malt, this expression is matured in a combination of Oloroso sherry and bourbon casks, resulting in a rich, full-bodied whisky with notes of dried fruits and spice.​
• Edradour 12 Year Old Caledonia Selection: Named after Dougie MacLean's song "Caledonia," this whisky is a tribute to Scottish heritage, offering a harmonious blend of sherry sweetness and oak complexity.​
• Edradour Straight From The Cask Series: This range features single cask, cask strength whiskies matured in a variety of cask types, including port, Madeira, and Sauternes, providing a rich tapestry of flavors for the discerning palate. 

In addition to these, Edradour produces the Ballechin range—a series of heavily peated whiskies that pay homage to the now-defunct Ballechin Distillery. With a peat level of at least 50 parts per million, Ballechin offers a smoky alternative to Edradour's traditionally unpeated expressions. 

Expansion with Integrity: Edradour 2

Recognising the growing demand for its whiskies, Edradour undertook a significant expansion in recent years. A new facility, often referred to as "Edradour 2," was constructed across the Edradour Burn. This expansion mirrors the original distillery's setup, featuring identical stills and traditional equipment, ensuring that the quality and character of the whisky remain consistent. 

The additional capacity allows Edradour to experiment with new expressions and cask finishes, further enriching its already diverse portfolio. Despite this growth, the distillery remains steadfast in its commitment to traditional methods and small-scale production.​

The Future: Tradition Meets Innovation

Edradour's journey is one of resilience and reverence for tradition. As it continues to innovate while honoring its heritage, whisky enthusiasts can anticipate more exceptional releases that embody the spirit of the Highlands.​

Available at Robert Graham 1874

At Robert Graham 1874, we are proud to offer a selection of Edradour's finest expressions:

• Edradour 10 Year Old – The Distillery Edition: A classic Highland single malt, offering rich sherry notes and a velvety finish.​
• Edradour 12 Year Old Caledonia Selection: A tribute to Scottish heritage, this whisky offers a harmonious blend of sherry sweetness and oak complexity.​
• Edradour 10 Year Old Ibisco Decanter - Cask Strength - A 10-year-old Edradour 2013 bottled by the distillery in 2023 without colouring or chill filtration for their Ibisco decanter series.
• Edradour 2000 Signatory Symington's Choice - Rich, complex,the epitome of long-term sherry cask maturation. 

Explore these exceptional whiskies and more at our online store.

Final Dram: A Quiet Giant with a Roaring Soul

In a world where bigger often screams louder, Edradour whispers — and somehow, that whisper carries further. It doesn’t need corporate bravado or mass-market polish. This is a distillery that walks its own winding path through the Highlands, crafting spirit not just with hands, but with heritage, patience, and purpose. Every cask tells a story; every bottle pours out a bit of soul soaked in oak, sherry, and time itself.

At Robert Graham 1874, we raise our glass to the rebels who stay small by choice, traditional by principle, and bold by nature. Edradour may be small, but it hits harder than most — and its future is looking as rich and layered as the whisky maturing in its dunnage warehouses.

So, whether you’re a seasoned sipper or just beginning your whisky pilgrimage, make space on your shelf (and in your glass) for something rare, real, and resoundingly Highland. Because Edradour isn’t just whisky — it’s a rebellion in a bottle.

Slàinte.