Distillery: BenRiach
Region: Speyside
Type: Single Malt
Alc/Vol: 40%
This was the first tasting I ever had from BenRiach, and is their standard 12 year old Single Malt. Scotland is, as many know it, the home of Single Malt Scotch Whisky. BenRiach distillery comes from the Speyside region, a region more commonly known for its honied and spicy whiskies. This, however, is very much a general set of characteristics, and even within the Speyside group you will find whiskies with different characteristics. One thing that is rare in Speyside is the presence of significant amounts of peat and BenRiach is one that bucks the trend. Opting to peat their whiskies (which usually means using peat, which is essentially decomposing plant matter, in the drying process of the malted barley, resulting in a smoky characteristic to the whisky), BenRiach whisky has a distinctive smokey/salty flavour infused with all the 'standard' Speyside characteristics.
A relatively new kid on the block to Single Malt whiskies, BenRiach is now a dynamic new brand that is releasing many a bottling in recent years. This Single Malt 12 years old Whisky that was tasted does show that there is much potential indeed in my humble opinion!
Nose: Very much an opened nose that is indeed balanced. I personally pick up honey and hints of spice, preserved orange peel and even a hint of salted caramel. This is balanced very well with the smokiness and malted barley notes, with no aroma overpowering the other.
Palate/Taste: The layers of tastes here are pretty clean and very balanced. Sweet honey, then a hint of spice before the sweet smokiness and saltiness kick in with a hint of dark cocoa.
Finish: Sweet barley notes bring up a very pleasant finish with a bit of liquorice, and an oaky bitterness in the end.
Overall: This is a pretty good whisky, which I personally feel is very enjoyable indeed. I am not a personal fan of peated whiskies, but the smoke and saltiness in this one is nicely balanced with sweetness. Worth a try!
85/100
Found at: Drinksfellas Retailers, The Auld Alliance, La Maison Du Whisky
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