This was definitely one of the supremely wacky bottlings that Ballechin is sort of (in)famous for. What an out-there dram. Pretty good though! It’s not too far off from Laphroaig Triple Wood, actually. The Laphroaig has a better texture and a longer finish I’d say, but it’s really not far off. Similar meaty notes, medicinal peat, ash, richness, etc. If you’re a fan of that bottling (or Hebrew National), you’ll enjoy this. As a fan of both, I certainly did.
Nose: My first thought was kosher hot dog. Very meaty, salty, peppery, and medicinal smoke. Hoisin sauce, and maybe some chicken broth as well. Tart apples, raisins, honey and cereals. Some cinnamon and cumin spice going on, too. A bit of a weird fragrant potpourri note in there.
A few drops of water kept things meaty but added some cola and chocolate.
Palate: Medium-light texture. Peppery, medicinal smoke, and more hot dog! Baking spices, black pepper, and oak in the middle, along with tobacco smoke. Some tart and slightly tannic sherry notes, along with apple and lemon, black tea.
Water added some tobacco, earth, and ash, as well as more salt and seaweed. Some more tannins in the middle, as well as a dark malty almost stout-like flavour.
Finish: Medium-short. Medicinal and a bit bitter. More black tea with honey and lemon. Cinnamon and clove, along with blackberry and nutty sherry. Lingering salt.
Water added cola and citrus, as well as Tootsie Rolls, cereals, mint, and seaweed.
