Benriach The Smoky Twelve

A little background

The Benriach Distillery was founded in 1898 by John Duff. Having previously been used in blends, Benriach was released for the first time as a 10-year-old Single Malt in 1994. Today the distillery has continued to explore the possibilities of Speyside single malt by creating three styles of whisky; classic, peated and triple distilled. This review is of “The Smoky Twelve”, a core range offering from Benriach that’s a signature expression that defines Benriach Single Malts. Benriach The Smoky Twelve is three cask matured (Bourbon, Sherry, and Marsala Wine), bottled at 46% ABV, and has a retail price of $65 USD.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Light Straw

Nose

Subtle smokiness, orange, vanilla, and a confectionery sugar and honey sweetness.

Palate

Thick and creamy mouthfeel with a sweet and spicy flavor profile. Orange peel, dark chocolate.

Finish

A beautiful wave of dark chocolate, orange cream, smoke, and baking spice. The finish is slightly drying and wonderfully long and complex.

In closing

Benriach The Smoky Twelve drinks and feels more mature and complex than your standard 12-yr Single Malt Whisky. The smoke notes are very subtle and compliment the orange chocolate baking spice qualities on the palate and finish o so well! In comparison to The Smoky Ten, this whisky is way more developed and a much better value, despite the 10-Year still being a great buy. At $65, Benriach The Smoky Twelve is a must-buy and one that’ll please both the novice and connoisseur.

NOTE: The sample used for this review was provided at no cost courtesy of The Benriach Distillery. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.