BenRiach Latada 18 YO

BenRiach Latada 18 YO, 46 %

The BenRiach Latada 18 YO is a peated whisky from Speyside. It has been matured in American oak casks, then finished in Madeira casks. The name ‘Latada’ is taken from the traditional trellised vine system on the island of Madeira where the vines are laid out horizontally above the ground on low trellises.

You can pick up a bottle of the BenRiach Latada 18 YO in Norway at NOK 1307 (3477201), and in the UK at around GBP 65. It is not currently available in Sweden.

Nose (22/25): Sweet peat and fruit. BBQ sauce and baked apples, wood smoke (think hickory), grilled marshmallows, ripe lemons, salt and sweet licorice. It does have a bit of an alcohol bite to it right away, but give it a few minutes in the glass and it develops very well!

Taste (21/25): Rich and sugary. Sweet licorice rolled in ashes and white pepper! Vanilla and baked apples follow. Somewhat oaky. Ginger and nutmeg.

Finish (22/25): Medium finish. Richly sweet, more like honey now. Otherwise much as it started, no further development, but it is all good.

Balance (21/25): If you have a sweet tooth and like your whisky peated, then you should give this a try. A bit pricey in Norway, but a solid product through and through.

Score (86/100)

Image from Master of Malt.

Sláinte! - Thomas