Ballechin Whisky Sponge Edition No. 5 14 Year Old, Refill Sherry Hogshead Cask, 2005, Whisky Sponge, 55%

The smoke is clearly present here: sweet peat and soot sit alongside brighter fruit and chocolate. That darker, earthy side sounds weighty, but the fruit gives it some contrast.

Reviewed by HazelnutRadio

Nose

Sweet peat with scorched, charred fruit, Pipe tobacco, leather and mentholated notes, Chocolate, sticky toffee pudding and maple syrup

Palate

Soot and pure chocolate with cherries in booze and brambles, Tobacco leaves and leather with earthy smoke and oak char

Finish

Pepper, liquorice, light soy sauce and bitter chocolate, Persistent sweet, vegetal peat smoke with baking spices