2004 Edradour Ballechin Bourbon Cask Matured 20 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

We're big fans of Ballechin and it’s improved much since it debuted in 2003. This one's new as of 2024. Who wouldn't love the chance to try young vs old in a cross-tasting? Now you can. Even better, there's no sherry or exotic wood finishings, just first-fill Kentucky bourbon barrels (apparently used for Old Grand Dad), providing the perfect insight into how this very peaty distillate unfolds with age. At a direct import price, the opportunity is more accessible than ever. 2016 bottles produced. 52.8% Alc./Vol Non chill filtered.

Other reviews... Nose: sooty peat, although not as in-your-face as expected. Immediately countered by a big sweetness. Big vanilla, with light caramel and underlying layers of quinces, lemons and apples. Then a nice earthiness, a little lovage and burnt Mediterranean herbs. Subtle metallic notes, with whiffs of menthol and camphor. A nice all-rounder. Mouth: the smoke is bigger now, reminding me of Port Charlotte’s sooty and lightly farmy style. Dry leafy notes, more burnt herbs, a little ink and hints of black tea. Then caramel sweetness with a salty edge, some lemon oil and vanilla. Black peppercorns and light tarry notes as well, with some fresh oak in the distance. Finish: very long, grassier and spicier. Smoky notes, hints of grapefruits and rapeseed oil. While sherry influenced Ballechin (sometimes quite extreme) seems to be more common, this bourbon version is really good as well. Overall a nice combination of robust peat, coupled to a well-dosed sweetness. - whiskynotes.be