Ballechin 19 Years (2004/2023)
If you are looking for a whisky that will challenge your taste buds and senses in equal measure, you will find it with the Ballechin 2004/2023 19 Years. This single malt from the Edradour Distillery in the Scottish Highlands is a real powerhouse with 55.00% ABV and offers an intense, smoky experience that will delight Islay fans. But beware: this whisky is not for the faint-hearted!
The panel
Mean 86.5 · spread 3
Value for money 0/5
- Distillery
- Edradour
- Type
- Single Malt
- Region
- Highlands
- Country
- Scotland
- Age
- 19 years
- Strength
- 55% ABV
- Character
- peaty
Tasting
Nose
Ballechin reveals its smoky soul from the very first sniff. Black BBQ and an extremely bacon-y character are dominant, immediately evoking associations with smoked meat. Underneath, notes of tar, lime and even a hint of burnt rubber resonate. It's like entering an old factory - industrial, raw and yet fascinating.
Palate
On the tongue, the Scotch unfolds with a warming, full load of vapour. The flavour is intense and complex: old machine oil, warm rubber tyres and even a hint of linoleum make this whisky a real experience. The smokiness dominates, but it is accompanied by a subtle fruitiness that provides a surprise.
Finish
The finish is long and voluminous, with a spicy note that lingers for a long time. The subtle oak is noticeable, but is overlaid by the intense smokiness.
Verdicts
Marcel
Anyone trying the Ballechin 2004/2023 19 Years should have no fear of intense aromas – this whisky is a smoky rollercoaster ride packed with character and plenty of drinking pleasure. For fans of powerful, bacon-like notes, it’s a real highlight that tells stories and leaves you wanting more. Gentle sippers might be better off moving on.
Sascha
The Ballechin 2004/2023 19 Years impresses with its complex balance of intense smokiness, robust BBQ notes, and subtle fruitiness that beautifully supports its structure. Despite the high cask strength, the single malt feels well integrated, although the dominant, industrial aromas won’t be to everyone’s taste. A demanding Highland whisky with a distinctive profile.
What it is worth
We do not yet hold bottle-level auction results — that sits behind Whisky Hunter’s authenticated feed. What follows is the market for Edradour as a whole, which sets the weather for this bottling without pricing it.
Latest mean bid £106 across 95 lots · 2024-08