Ballechin Manzanilla 12 years 2004 Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Ballechin is a brand of the Edradour distillery, focusing on peated whiskies.
Type: Single malt Scotch whisky.
Distillation Date: June 1st, 2004.
Bottling Date: October 28th, 2016.
Age Statement: 12 years.
Maturation: Fully matured in a first-fill Manzanilla Sherry Butt.
ABV: 55.6% (cask strength).
Outturn: 495 bottles.
Color: Rich mahogany, attributed to caramelization of wood sugars inside the cask.
Bottle Design: Specific details not mentioned, but it's implied that the bottle provides information about its maturation process, distillation, and bottling dates.

Nose: Prominent notes of saddle leather and earthy peat.
Palate: Smoke and peat are very much in evidence, with medicinal notes, sugar, ginger, and a hint of salted almonds.
Finish: Long, slightly dry, nutty, and warming.
Overall: The whisky is described as having a balance of 50% smokiness and 50% phenolic, medicinal notes. The addition of water lightens the peat smoke intensity, bringing forward ginger, salt, nuttiness, dryness, tannins, spiciness, and a fleeting sweetness.

Distillery Innovations: The Edradour distillery is experimenting with different casks and has recently expanded its storage capacity with new warehouses across the river.
Production Details: The peatiness comes from drying the malt over a peat fire, and the color is derived from caramelized wood sugars inside the cask.

Manzanilla Sherry Casks: The whisky is matured in casks that previously held Manzanilla sherry, a type of Fino sherry from the southwest of Spain. This sherry is characterized by its dryness and is protected from oxidation during maturation by a layer of yeast foam.

Horst Luening describes the whisky as "heavily peated" and appreciates the natural color and cask strength. He notes the complexity of the flavor profile, especially after adding water to reduce the ABV slightly.

Ballechin Manzanilla 12 years is a peated single malt from Edradour distillery, matured in Manzanilla sherry casks.
It features a rich mahogany color, with a flavor profile rich in smoke, peat, and medicinal notes, complemented by sugar, ginger, and salted almonds.
The whisky is a limited edition, with only 495 bottles available, primarily for the European market.
The use of Manzanilla sherry casks adds a unique dryness and complexity to the whisky.
The distillery is known for its innovative use of different casks and has recently expanded its storage facilities.

Peat Lovers: With its heavy peat and smoke profile, this whisky is ideal for those who enjoy robust, peated whiskies.
Sherry Cask Enthusiasts: The unique use of Manzanilla sherry casks offers a distinctive experience for fans of sherry-matured whiskies.
Experienced Whisky Drinkers: The complexity and cask strength of this whisky make it suitable for seasoned whisky enthusiasts looking for something challenging and rewarding.
Collectors: Given its limited availability and unique maturation process, this whisky is a valuable addition to any collection.