BenRiach Peated Cask Strength Batch 1

BenRiach Peated Cask Strength Batch 1, NAS, 56 %

I have now reviewed the BenRiach Peated Cask Strength Batch 1. Earlier this year I had a closer look at the BenRiach Cask Strength Batch 1 (notice the lack of peat there). I was not very happy about that one, but I am still just as eager to try this product.

This whisky has been matured in a combination of Oloroso sherry casks and bourbon barrels.

The BenRiach Peated Cask Strength Batch 1 will be on sale in Norway starting Friday July 7, at NOK 1050. It was released in Sweden just a few weeks ago and sells over there at SEK 779 (8557001). You can also buy the BenRiach Peated Cask Strength Batch 1 in the UK at around GBP 59.

Nose: Light and delicate - just like the unpeated variant. The peat is not very pronounced, at least not right off. Orchard fruits and rich malt notes. Given a few minutes the notes of oak and wood smoke start appearing.

Taste: Full bodied and half dry. It appears more mature than the unpeated variant. The peat is very much present - rich, sweet wood smoke. Chocolate. Yeah.

Finish: Medium long finish. Honey and a deeper sweetness on the finish. Milk chocolate, fresh vanilla, caramel flavored ice-cream. A hint of mint and grass. Cool menthol.

Comments: A positive experience after the somewhat disappointing unpeated cask strength variant. This is a solid dram.

Score (85/100)

Image from Master of Malt.

Sláinte! - Thomas