Lost Distillery Benachie

I had been interested in the Lost Distillery Company's blended malt reproductions of distilleries that are no longer operating. I came across three of them at a sizable liquor establishment in Kansas City. Each of them is unfiltered and contains no added coloring; they all present a pale straw hue. The ones I acquired were Benachie at 43% ABV for $50, Stratheden at 46% ABV for $60, and Auchnagie at 46% ABV for $60. All three show impressive legs when swirled in the glass. The Benachie offers notes of pastry crust, mild dried fruit, honey, and a clear peat presence. It's not overwhelmingly smoky, but the peat is definitely noticeable. The Auchnagie has a comparable profile, with less dried fruit, no smoke, a touch more sweetness, and a pleasant warmth. I would rate this 4.2. The Strathheden is akin to the Auchnagie, possibly a bit sweeter, with a spicier, more peppery character, a whisper of smoke, and a subtle dryness or brininess to this pour. I'm giving this one a 4.1 score. I hope these become easier to find and less expensive, as there are numerous fantastic single malts available that are as good as or superior to these vatted malts at a comparable or lower cost. However, I'm pleased I bought them and will likely buy them again. They are distinctive and represent a form of artistry – the blender's craft. I have respect and admiration for that. I recognize that the considerable work involved in harmonizing the various malts in the precise proportions must be quite demanding, which is reflected in the final retail cost. I wish they would reveal the specific whiskies used in the blends, similar to how Compass Box does, but that's the reality. Cheers!

Aroma: orange cream and mint, dried fruit, and vanilla. Palate: silky, sweet cream and fresh fruit, with a bit of oak tannins and a zesty note, a hint of mint. Finish: lingering fruit sweetness that fades to dryness, with a mild burn.

A lovely copper/dark amber color with nice legs. It smells of caramel or crème brûlée. The taste is toffee with a slightly perfumed finish. It's quite one-dimensional but a great value for the price.

This spirit tastes of pastry crust, faint dried fruit, honey, and noticeable peat. It's not overwhelmingly peaty, but the smoke is clearly present.

This is a really cool experiment

Caramel, toffee, with a light smokiness