Whisky: Ballechin 16 Year (2005), WhiskySponge for Edradourian Knights

Country/Region: Scotland/Highland

ABV: 57%

Cask: 2nd Fill Sauternes Barrique

Age: 16 Years (Distilled 2005, Bottled 2022)

Nose: Rich and fruity, pears, cream, vanilla, oil paints, new lava field, burnt trees and grass, charcoal, hints of mint and barn.

Palate: Full-bodied and rich with earth, caramel, pears, vanilla, and charcoal, hints of toasted sesame and kinako, wild mint, sweet pickled ginger, shoyu, sweet caramelized barbecue glaze, lingering earth at the end.

Finish: Long and lingering with barbecue char, earth, and poached pears.

Score: 8

Mental Image: Cinder Cone Picnic

Narrative & Notes: The aroma was rich and slow to develop before pears and vanilla cream emerged, followed by oil pants, fresh canvas, lava rocks— fresh fields and steaming vents, burnt trees and grass, as well as charcoal— large chunks and smaller drafting utensils. Hints of barn animals and herbal mint appeared occasionally. The palate pulled back from art supplies in the field and directed attention toward sweet earthy notes of caramel-covered pears with hints of vanilla and honey. The sweetness waned as charcoal entered, followed by toasted sesame, sesame oil, kinako, wild mint, pickled ginger, shoyu, and the sweet caramelized glaze on a grilled eel. Earth lingered at the end and carried through a long finish of barbecue char, earth, and poached pear.

The first time I tried this, my glass was empty before I was halfway done typing up my notes. I had forgotten to add water and enjoyed every sip without realizing the glass was getting low. I made a note to myself to remember to add water the next time. A friend suggested water opened up the experience for them and brought more fruit to the surface. I found that with water, the dram became a tad sweeter up front with less earth on the finish, though the flavors remained relatively stable otherwise.

Overall, I was pleased as punch with this dram. I was excited to try Ballechin in something other than a first fill or sherry cask, and the dram did not disappoint.

Image Credit: Decadent Drinks