Ballechin 10 Years | Whisky Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Highland, Scotland.
Type: Peated Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Produced at the Edradour Distillery, which is notably small and has recently doubled its output by building a second distillery on the same premises with identical shaped stills. The whisky is matured in a mix of ex-American oak and ex-European sherry casks, with a focus on first and second fill casks to maintain quality.
Age Statement: 10 years.
ABV: 46%.
Color: Dark golden, uncolored.
Clarity: Clear.
Bottle Design: The bottle shares the same design as the typical Edradour bottles but features green color accents on the tube and label.

Balance of Flavors: Dominated by peat smoke, with a complex balance of phenolic and bonfire notes, sweet vanilla, spicy oak, and a gentle oiliness that provides a smooth mouthfeel.
Unique Characteristics: Notably smoky with a 50 ppm content of smoke, yet avoids being overly phenolic or reminiscent of hospital disinfection. The use of ex-sherry casks adds a layer of complexity and a slight fruity, Oloroso sherry influence.
Comparison: More intense and smoky compared to the standard Edradour, with a unique blend of flavors due to the combination of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks.

Distillery History: The Edradour Distillery, one of Scotland's smallest, was sold to Andrew Symington in 2003. Ballechin is named after an old distillery near Edradour, with nothing left but the name.
Production Insights: The decision to build a second distillery on the same premises to double output reflects the brand's success and growing demand.

Historical Context: The name "Ballechin" revives the heritage of a lost distillery, connecting the modern whisky to the region's distilling past. The whisky's peated profile pays homage to traditional Scottish distilling practices.

"Very, very smoky. Not too stinky...partly phenolic, partly bonfire, wood fire."
"Strong action on the tongue. The peat smoke is dominant."
"It's a complex one, coming from the ex-bourbon cask, ex-sherry cask, and the peatiness and the distillery character from the small stills."

Ballechin 10 Years is a peated whisky from the Edradour Distillery in the Highlands, known for its intense smokiness and complex flavor profile.
Matured in a mix of ex-American oak and ex-European sherry casks, it offers a rich blend of phenolic, bonfire, vanilla, and spicy oak notes.
Named after a lost distillery, Ballechin connects to Scotland's distilling heritage while showcasing the craftsmanship of one of the country's smallest distilleries.
The whisky is appreciated for its balance of intense smokiness with subtle sherry influences, making it a complex and engaging dram.

Peat Lovers: With its high peat content and dominant smoky flavor, Ballechin 10 Years is ideal for those who appreciate a robust peated whisky.
Experienced Whisky Enthusiasts: The complex interplay of flavors, including the influence of ex-sherry casks, makes this whisky appealing to seasoned drinkers looking for depth and complexity.
Adventurous Drinkers: Those interested in exploring the nuances of small distillery productions and historical whisky names will find Ballechin 10 Years intriguing.