Ballechin 10 Years, Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (46%, 70cl)

Ballechin 10 Years is a heavily peated Highland single malt produced at the historic Edradour distillery in Pitlochry, Scotland. Edradour is one of the smallest farm distilleries in Scotland, and Ballechin is the brand name they use exclusively for their peated distillates, paying homage to a silent distillery that once operated nearby.

The production is remarkably traditional and small-scale. It is crafted using barley peated to a robust level of 50 ppm, putting its smoke intensity on par with classic Islay giants. The spirit is aged for a full decade in a carefully balanced combination of ex-bourbon and ex-Oloroso sherry casks. To let the raw, oily character of the malt shine, it is bottled at a solid 46% ABV without chill-filtration or any added coloring.

The profile is dense, rustic, and highly complex, offering a heavy farmyard peat that is completely distinct from coastal, medicinal sea-smoke. The nose is highly expressive, bringing forward thick notes of wood smoke, charred BBQ meats, and musty earth, balanced by sweet red fruits, orange marmalade, and a touch of dark chocolate. On the palate, the texture is chewy and oily, delivering a powerful punch of smouldering peat, dark cocoa, and spiced oak, alongside stewed dates, lemon-lime zest, and a savory hint of cured meat. The finish is long, warm, and satisfyingly dry, leaving lingering trails of ash, toasted nuts, and sweet malt.