Ballechin 10 Year

The aroma presents heavy peat smoke, farmyard funk, and butterscotch, then chocolate-covered raisins and roasted walnuts. This is followed by luscious notes of orange creamsicle, figgy pudding, and grilled peaches, which shift to smoldering hay and subtle oak spice, with a moderate alcohol presence. The palate has a medium to full body, beginning with orchard fruit. It then reveals a blend of intense peat smoke, barnyard funk, and smooth butterscotch gelato, accompanied by dark chocolate-covered raisins and toasted walnuts. Rich fruit notes of orange creamsicle, figgy pudding, and grilled peaches emerge, leading to burning hay and mild oak spice, with a moderate alcohol burn. The finish is of medium duration, featuring dark chocolate-covered raisins, grape essence, orange zest, burning hay, and light oak spice. Remarkably potent for a 10-year-old, this dram masterfully balances profound peat smoke with sweet, nutty notes derived from sherry and bourbon casks. However, a touch of tartness, likely from its youth, is noticeable. Its texture is considerably smoother than expected for a 46% ABV spirit, and I would choose this over an Ardbeg Wee Beastie, 10, or Kilchoman Machir Bay. Compared to my Springbank 12-year batch 21, the youthful tartness is evident in the Ballechin 10, yet it competes admirably with a Springbank that is older, stronger, and more expensive. At approximately $75, this offers excellent value for enthusiasts of smoky, peated whiskies, who would likely find it very pleasing.

The bombastic sherry Edradour 10 was great, so I was eager to try this 50 ppm offering. This is not a typical peated scotch. It has minimal smoke and more distinct earthy peat notes. The nose has notes of a beehive, straw hat, unlit cigarette filters, and a sweet, floral maltiness. The palate offers rich honey with hints of menthol, chestnuts, pinecone, and some mild pipe tobacco. It's somewhat reminiscent of the honey-flavored Pine Bros soft cough drops. There's a good malt presence and light barrel tannins. The finish is slightly bitter with grassy, raw peat and tree bark. The honeyed, cooling malt gradually dries into pipe ash. This is quite intriguing, lacking the usual BBQ or campfire smoke. It develops some saltiness as you continue sipping, adding character. Overall, it's very good, and although I generally prefer more smoke with my peat, this is worth purchasing. This distillery is doing great work, and I assume their other options are worth exploring... 88/100

The peatiness from Ballechin differs from that found in Islay or even Talisker. It bears some resemblance to Port Charlotte, though with a superior aroma, best described as a powerful combination of leather and earthy funk. It doesn't present as smoke; rather, it's oilier and more organic. The taste is dominated by that same oily, earthy, almost savory quality, akin to a grilled portobello mushroom with a slightly sweet dressing. The finish is of moderate duration and, perhaps due to my sensitivity to earthiness, I perceive little beyond that funky, alluvial flavor. This is not an especially sweet spirit, making it a potentially interesting choice for those who appreciate Octomore but find its alcohol content or peat level overwhelming. I will assign it a respectable score because I found it quite distinctive and am pleased I experienced it, but Ballechin would not be a regular pour for me.

Creamy and rich, a surge of vanilla and toffee, brown sugar, oakiness, hints of leather, maduro tobacco, dark fig, spice, and a bit of earthiness from the peat that works well with the full flavors. As another reviewer noted, it's more earthy peat than smoky peat, which is pleasant. The sherry cask complements the peat nicely. A fine and rich peated Highland. Very different from the briny, smoky, and oily Islays, closer to Springbank and Campbeltown whiskies. I'm excited to explore other expressions from Edradour!

An outstanding peated expression from a top-tier distillery. Despite being a lower-end Ballechin, it's exceptional. Highland peat and sugar notes are prominent. The low alcohol content results in a thin mouthfeel and a quick finish, but its quality rivals Ardbeg 10. I would gladly purchase this again, even with the remarkable cask strength finishes available in the SFTC series. It's a fine example of Highland peat, unlike the unremarkable and forgettable Highland Park 12.

A one-note whisky where the peat overshadows all other characteristics. There's peat, a hint of peat, and whispers of peat. If you're incredibly lucky, you might also detect notes of cut grass and citrus. The palate is somewhat sweet, with a touch of pepperiness and a Marlboro-like quality. The finish is bitter and unpleasant. Avoid it!