Benriach Smoke Season (Second Edition)

To start this review, I had to check my previous rating for Benriach The Smoky Twelve, which was a 4.5. I really like The Smoky Twelve. Over the last four years, I've bought it twice and enjoyed it each time. It's a welcome change for an Islay lover to have a peated Speyside scotch for variety. Even though Smoke Season doesn't have an age statement, it drinks much like a higher proof version of The Smoky Twelve. Claiming to be the most heavily peated in the Benriach range, the peat isn't overwhelming but blends nicely with the underlying orchard fruit aroma. I previously described The Smoky Twelve as being like a bonfire at an orchard, and this is similar, if that orchard had peaches or apricots. The bottle description mentions "citrus peel," which I'm interpreting as peach/apricot; however, everyone has their own perception. It also describes the smoke as "caramel smoke," and I suppose there's some caramel mixed in, but it's the least prominent aroma. Overall, the nose is quite appealing. The fruit and smoke are dominant on the palate, with some vanilla and spice. It's more potent than its sibling, The Smoky Twelve, at 105.6 proof, which enhances my enjoyment. The current cold weather makes outdoor activities less pleasant than they were a few weeks ago in early autumn. I'd say this is less of a drink for gathering around a winter fire and more suited for an autumn fire pit, if ambiance is a consideration. For a winter dram, if I want something peated, I usually reach for Ardbeg, though this would suffice in a pinch. The finish is medium in length but unusual because it's not particularly spicy. Instead, it evolves into a sort of tart apple pie, blending the previous caramel, orchard fruit, and smoke, which is quite nice. My only issue is that this isn't as readily available to me as The Smoky Twelve. To get a bottle, I have to drive to Delaware, and the price there is about $10 over the suggested retail price. However, this doesn't affect my rating, as it's not the fault of the whisky or the distiller. I do question, though, if I like this enough better than the Smoky Twelve to justify paying $22 more. It's a special treat, not necessarily an everyday choice, but it makes me appreciate the quality of Benriach's output. I'm surprised they aren't more recognized. But...hey, if it keeps prices down, this stuff is terrible (wink, wink).

NOSE: Smoked and caramelized banana, reminiscent of Bananas Foster, graham cracker, marshmallow, with a subtle nutty undertone. Predominantly peaty banana is what's perceived. PALATE: Smoked banana, caramel, hay, cinnamon, vanilla, almonds, Honey Nut Cheerios, and a slight waxy quality. The palate is more intricate than the nose, introducing warmer, earthier notes. Dilution reveals faint mineral-spirit nuances without an overly harsh profile. FINISH: Extended – Peat, Honey Nut Cheerios, banana, and malt.