BenRiach Caskstrength and Carry On

BenRiach The Smoky Twelve

The new core range of BenRiach consists of a 10 and 12 years old, both unpeated and peated. The fun part is the fact that all four expressions are made up of different cask types. That makes it quite interesting in my book. This Smoky Twelve is a vatting of bourbon and sherry casks, but also Marsala wine casks. Intriguing, no? Must be nice for Dr...

Score 85/100

BenRiach 8 Year Old 2005 Peated / Virgin Oak

Batch 10 of BenRiach’s single cask releases contains no less than 12 single casks, varying in age from 8 to 37 years and almost as many different types of casks and finishes. I will try the youngest in the series, this 8 years old peated BenRiach, matured on American Virgin Oak. Apart from the new make, this is no doubt the youngest BenRiach I...

Score 83/100

Benriach 13 Year Old Maderensis Madeira Finish

I bought the BenRiach Maderensis Fumosus because I was looking for a smoky malt with some intense and luxorious sweetness. This didn't quite live up to that, but it ain't too bad. Nose: First comes the smoke. It's not 'in your face' Laphroaig type of smoke, but more mellow yet deep smoke. There's something reminiscent of motor oil. With some time...

Score 85/100

Benriach 16 Year Old

This one is the older brother of the 12 yo I wrote about earlier this week, let’s see what we’re in for after an additional 4 years of maturation. The BenRiach 16 yo, 40% ABV , £36 Nose: The nose on this one is spicier than the 12 yo. Starting on candied Ginger, a bit of exotic fruit (papaya, sun-dried banana) , marzipan and creamy rice pudding....

Score 84/100