Edradour Ballechin Batch 1

An official release of Ballechin, at 46%, 6000 bottles in all. Ballechin is the smoky side of Edradour, a heavily peated malt from Pitlochry. It is one of the smallest traditional distilleries in Scotland, long run by just two or three hands.

It was run through the small stills, the peat smoke carried into a rich, oily make, the worm tubs lending weight to the smoke. It was matured in a Burgundy cask, the wood working slowly into the rich malt. No age is given, but the smoke and a vanillin vanilla are well integrated over an oily body. Refill oak lets the rich, oily Edradour character lead the way. It once supplied blends such as House of Lords and King's Ransom. Under Signatory the range has grown to a wide run of sherry and wine cask bottlings. It was bought in 2002 by Andrew Symington of the independent bottler Signatory Vintage. A gentle maturation suits the oily make, the nutty richness growing with time.

At an approachable 46% it is soft and oily. A smoky, fruity richness, with a soft red berry and an earthy edge from the cask. A dried fruit and a tarry oak give it depth. A rich finish ends on soft ash and dried fruit. This is a peated Highland single malt of real weight.