Ballechin is the closely peated spirit from Edradour distillery (normally round 50 ppm phenols). This well-aged expression comes from a collection of Kentucky bourbon barrels, supposedly used for Outdated Grand Dad. It hit the market in spring 2024.
Ballechin 20 yo 2004 (52,8%, OB 2024, first fill bourbon barrels, 2016 btl.)
Nostril: sooty peat, though not as in-your-face as anticipated. Instantly countered by an enormous sweetness. Massive vanilla, with mild caramel and underlying layers of quinces, lemons and apples. Then a pleasant earthiness, slightly lovage and burnt Mediterranean herbs. Delicate metallic notes, with whiffs of menthol and camphor. A pleasant all-rounder.
Mouth: the smoke is greater now, reminding me of Port Charlotte’s sooty and flippantly farmy model. Dry leafy notes, extra burnt herbs, slightly ink and hints of black tea. Then caramel sweetness with a salty edge, some lemon oil and vanilla. Black peppercorns and lightweight tarry notes as properly, with some contemporary oak within the distance.
End: very lengthy, grassier and spicier. Smoky notes, hints of grapefruits and rapeseed oil.
Whereas sherry influenced Ballechin (typically fairly excessive) appears to be extra widespread, this bourbon model is absolutely good as properly. Total a pleasant mixture of strong peat, coupled to a well-dosed sweetness. Nonetheless accessible from The Whisky Alternate and Grasp of Malt as an example.
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