Dreaming-of-Islay
Ballechin 10 Year
Single Malt — Highlands, Scotland
Reviewed
October 8, 2017 (edited January 30, 2022)
Ballechin's peatiness is not like Islay peatiness or even Talisker peatiness. It reminds me in some ways of Port Charlotte, although with a better nose, best described as an intense mixture of leather and earthy funk. It is not a smoke-like scent, it's oilier and more organic. The palate is dominated by that oily, earthy, almost savory note as well, like a grilled portobello with a mildly sweet glaze. The finish is medium in length and, again, perhaps because I'm sensitive to earthiness, I don't recall many notes other than that funky, alluvial flavor. This is not a particularly sweet whisky, so could be an interesting pick for someone who enjoys Octomore but is overwhelmed by the ABV or peat level of that strange dram. I'm going to give it a decent rating because I found it quite unique and am glad I tried it, but Ballechin would not be a daily dram for me.
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