Scotland, Southern Highlands. Distillery operational. Owner: Signatory Vintage & Co

After 70 years in the hands of American (J.G. Turney & Sons) and French (Pernod Ricard) owners, Scotland's smallest distillery reclaimed its independence and became 100% Scottish once again on 22 July 2002. Until this point, its entire production was absorbed by the group's blends, Clan Campbell, House of Lord and King Ransom. A 10 year old version was nonetheless released in 1986. Things remained this way until 2002 when, like many distilleries enjoying rediscovered independence and under the aegis of Andrew Symington (owner of Signatory Vintage), Edradour underwent an incredible transformation that enabled it to reveal the complexity of its profile. Coming under the watchful eye of the former manager of Laphroaig, Ian Henderson, who for was for a time Edradour's master distiller, peat became second nature and the distillery began producing a second malt named Ballechin.

The Highland single malt Ballechin is a heavily peated whisky loved by fans of the genre. Peated to the exceptional rate of 50 ppm, this whisky, which is matured in casks, reveals dry peat on the nose combined with aromas of hay, cut grass and seawater. On the palate, peat makes way for a lively, citrus attack, followed wonderfully by a dry and dense peat. Finally, the salty finish reveals barley notes and elegantly leaves its imprint on the palate. An outstanding whisky and one of the best peated bottlings.