Ballechin 2004 Manzanilla Cask Sample
Brutal
0 890
Review by @markjedi1
- Nose~
- Taste~
- Finish~
- Balance~
- Overall90
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This is another work in progress that was served by Andrew at a festival in Belgium in November 2013. It is not yet on the market, but might be the new standard 10 Year Old Ballechin to be released in 2014. I cannot be sure though. It was, however, a unique opportunity to try a Ballechin (peaty Edradour) at cask strength as all releases have so far been cut to 46% ABV.
This is pure butter in the nose, deliciously fatty. Loads of yellow and red fruit, but hardly any peat. This is a very sweet Ballechin, but with a nice salty edge. With some imagination some wonderful ham appears, the cooked not the smoked variety. Chocolat. A bit farmy. A jojo of aromas, but very good. The longer you wait, the more salt and smoke appears in this grand nose. Adding water, though, makes him rather unsympathetic on plasticine and finger paint.
Sturdy arrival, bursting with ashes and peat, now. The fruit does not stand a chance. The salt, however, does shine through. Tasted blind, you would be forgiven to mistake this for a Port Charlotte. Grand and brutal. Diluted, it is even more salty.
Long, salty and spicy finish.
This is an absolutely great whisky (provided you do not add too much water). If this will be the standard for Ballachin, the brand has a bright future ahead.
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Great reviews on the Ballechin lineup, thank you.