Benriach The Smoky Twelve

Benriach The Smoky Twelve, 12 YO, 46 %

Here is another of the new core range expressions from Benriach. The Benriach The Smoky Twelve has been matured in three different types of casks; bourbon barrels, sherry casks and Marsala casks.

A mix of peated and unpeated whisky was used to create this product. The peated malt used at Benriach is (usually) peated to 45 ppm phenols, and they use mainland peat.For this product (and The Moky Ten) they have wanted to remove themselves a bit from the term “peat” and rather use the less intimidating (that’s the theory) term “smoke”.

The Benriach The Smoky Twelve is available in Norway at NOK 740 (12372901), in Sweden at SEK 549 (8188901/), and in the UK at around GBP 48.

Nose: The peat is barely noticeable on the nose, hiding in the background. Mainly a fruity, rich and sweet nose. With time strawberries, toasted oak, earthy wood smoke. Apricots and oranges.

Taste: Medium body and creamy character. A deep sweetness, and lots of fruit. Cool and light. Whipped cream with assorted tropical fruits and citrus in simple syrup.

Finish: Medium to long finish. Richer and darker sweetness on the finish. Barbequed pineapple and apricots. Chocolate-y and peppery wood smoke. The smokiness hits you late, but the wait is well worth it.

Comment: Great value for money. Very approachable smokiness, not at all scary if you are vary of peated whisky.

Score 88/100