Ballechin 14yo, The Whisky Exchange Exclusive, Heavily Peated

A Ballechin expression is always a treat, as this heavily peated Edradour is among the best. This particular one is Cask Strength and limited. It's a 14-year-old bottled at 58.8% abv, with a lovely chestnut-red color, exclusively for The Whisky Exchange. The nose starts with rubber, reminiscent of childhood He-Man action figures with rubber heads, followed by wood polish, camphor, a leather wallet, povidone-iodine, muscle liniment, and burnt rubber. Red chili and creolin notes are also present – a wild aroma. The palate is surprisingly sweet, offering pure chocolate, hazelnut, almonds, and a hint of cotton socks, along with that povidone note. The finish begins with a pepper bomb of chili, wasabi, and Tabasco, abruptly followed by an exceptional blackberry note. This whisky is a delightful rollercoaster, remarkably drinkable for its 58.8% abv. The sweetness and peat are perfectly balanced, fitting the profile of a Heavily Peated Edradour. It's a very nice whisky, though it could be slightly more complex. My score is 89/100.