Whisky of the Month (June 2011): Tasting Two BenRiachs

Whisky of the Month (June 2011): BenRiach


The BenRiach 16YO and BenRiach Curiositas


For the first installment of the Whisky of the Month tasting series for June, SGwhisky would like to highlight two 'standard' expressions from BenRiach (though as the introductory post on BenRiach might suggest, when it comes to BenRiach, there is nothing really 'standard' about them seeing as to how innovation is one of the buzzwords for them). Nonethless, it would make sense that the first two would be standard, non-finished whiskies that showcase the 'house style' of BenRiach. So here's presenting to you a peated and unpeated expression of BenRiach, The BenRiach Curiositas 10YO and the BenRiach 16YO.

Name: BenRiach Curiositas 10YO
Distillery: BenRiach
Region: Speyside
Type: Single Malt Scotch
Age Statement: 10YO
Alc/Vol: 46%


The 10YO Curiositas is the peated version of BenRiach's malt that I can only guess is the base that goes into their peated wood finishes. It's a great way to find out more about what BenRiach's peated whiskies taste like without any additional influences of wood.


Nose: The nose is fairly simple with notes of saltiness and some peat, with some citrus and a touch of red fruit, and a little bit of ginger orange (21)


Taste/Palate: Malty and sweet entry before the peat kicks in with a sweet smokiness. Oakiness then comes in with a slight honied note, with a little bit of sweet citrus (20)


Finish: Rich and malty with notes of fruit (21)


Overall: Simple and clean, but nothing really exciting. The 46% strength does add a bit of a strength to it that plays to its advantage (21) 82/100

Name: BenRiach 16YO

Distillery: BenRiach

Region: Speyside

Type: Single Malt Scotch

Age Statement: 16YO

Alc/Vol: 46%

The slightly older version of the BenRiach standard bottlings offer a bit more complexity and depth than the 12YO. It is also another great way to see how the BenRiach single malt tastes like in its pure, unaltered self!

Nose: Rich in malt, spicey and honey with a note of citrs and a hint of sweet smoke. Rich and vibrant! (22)


Taste/Palate: Rich honey and malt again come in with a clean cinnamon spice note and liquorice. The oakiness comes in at the end (21)


Finish: Oaky with notes of liquorice continuing on with some light fruit (20)


Overall: The extra years in the barrels have afforded the whisky an added complexity, but it seems the wood finishes are starting to become the star of the show for BenRiach. Stay tuned to SGwhisky to see reviews on these wood finishes! (21) 84/100


Whiskies available at: Drinks Fellas, La Maison Du Whisky, Quaich Bar, Auld Alliance, Basement 28 (for the 10YO Curiositas)