Benriach Smoke Season

Nose: Pleasant, aromatic, floral, earthy smoke. Lemon, peach, pear. Creamy caramel and vanilla icing. Hay with a subtle rustic funk. Lightly scorched oak. This has diminishing smoke as it rests, becoming fruitier and more reminiscent of the Speyside region. Not a detriment. Palate: Sweet, smoked pear with caramel and chocolate infused with citrusy orange. Spice for baking atop a sweet vegetable note. Bitter, roasted oak with a hint of barrel-aged coffee funk. The finish resembles licking a burning piece of firewood – intense heat, wood, and smoke. I find it delightful. After the heat subsides, notes of caramel, toffee, and cinnamon-dusted chocolate linger. This is enjoyable. It's slightly unrefined, but that seems to be the intention. It delivers raw smoky power, yet is well-balanced by the fruit and malt characteristics. It seems young, but in an energetic way, not a raw and harsh way. I approve. I would repeat this experience.

AROMA Smoke, tree fruit, mineral (spirit-like), cinnamon pastry, malty with a hint of honey and bubblegum. It's a peculiar mix of spirit, smoke, sweetness, and nostalgia, but I enjoy it. PALATE Smoke, toffee, minerality, oak, honey graham cracker, vanilla taffy, a bit of churro, wax, and sweet malty notes. The smoky flavor is more pronounced here, with less of the spirit character and a subtle richness. FINISH Medium to long, with smoke, spice, toffee, and dried fruit fading into a waxy, smoked vanilla.

Aroma: Subtle smoke, herbaceous notes, and charred wood. Hints of peach, spice, and a touch of sweetness with a mild tang. Palate: Creamy texture, peppery cured meat, and a pungent cheese. The grain character dominates the second half, leading to a warm finish with notes of spice, root ginger, and cassia. Reminiscent of a previous bottling, but it seems less mature. A side-by-side tasting will happen shortly.

This is a very good, peated Speyside. The nose has a slight medicinal quality. The palate blends sweetness with a good amount of smokiness, though not as intense as typical Islay whisky. The finish is long and brings considerable heat. Adding water reduces the heat, making this a very enjoyable Scotch for sipping.

A smoky, sweet initial impression transitions into a complex and tasty spicy finish. It has depth and warmth, especially for a whisky without an age statement, reminding me of a less intense Ardbeg. A fair value and definitely worth sampling.

Initially rather dry and subdued. But after just a week, it has opened up considerably. Very good: wood smoke, vanilla, wood shavings (somewhat), smooth, no bitterness, habit-forming. Pairs excellently with a porter!