Benriach: A world of flavour
Benriach has just launched two flavour-forward single malt whiskies in South Africa. Having just tasted it last night, we’re ecstatic!
The Benriach Twelve and The Smoky Twelve are now both available and bring with it a magical world of flavour. Even the novice whisky drinkers among us would be able to appreciate it’s palate.
Benriach’s two new single malt whiskies are for those open to new possibilities, taking you on a creative journey of note. So, if you’re new to the whisky drinking scene, we suggest you start with a tasting of The Benriach Twelve. Ultimately, it will take you on a whole new level of flavour searching.
The Benriach Distillery is located in Speyside, Scotland and its new look coincides with the launch of its two single malts. Furthermore, the distillery has a long-standing tradition of distilling classic, peated and triple distilled whisky. It also has a vast eclectic cask inventory, sourced from around the world. Hence, the rebrand was inspired by the distillery’s creative heritage.
Artistically crafted by master blender, Dr. Rachel Barrie and her team, the new single malts display the diversity and versatility of Benriach’s orchard fruit-laden style. In addition, its packaging was inspired by the very first Benriach Single Malt which was released over two decades ago. Evidently it adds a bit of nostalgia to the mix.
Dr. Rachel Barrie says that the new range marries tradition and innovation perfectly. “The Twelve balances richly sherried malt with added layers of fruit complexity, reaching a pinnacle at twelve years old. The new Smoky Twelve explores the sweet smokiness of Benriach, enriched through innovative combinations of rum, virgin oak and marsala casks interwoven with more traditional bourbon and sherry.”
The Benriach Twelve
The Benriach Twelve is unpeated and richly sherried. Moreover, it features a new recipe, including port and bourbon casks interwoven for that seamless, smooth complexity. This whisky is layered with baked fruit, maple honey and cocoa. It also comes with a lingering sultana and spiced mocha finish.
The Benriach Smoky Twelve
The Smoky Twelve is much different but equally impressive (or perhaps even more so). It was in the 1970s that Benriach broke convention. Then, they went back to distilling batches of whisky in the 19th century style. This included the use of malted barley smoked with wood rich Highland peat. In the end, that is what brings that sweat and smoky elements to Benriach’s peated whiskies.
The Smoky Twelve is unique as it has been crafted from a combination of unpeated and peated spirit. It was matured in three casks: bourbon barrels, sherry casks and Marsala wine casks. Only afterwards the whisky from each cask was married together. This resulted in a smooth, creamy single malt. It’s layered with ripened fruit, aromatic smoky sweetness and warming oak spice, lingering into a cocoa and orange smoke finish.
The Benriach distillery dates back to 1898, when its founder, John Duff built his distillery in Scotland. The whiskies they produce today portray its history and the hidden Speyside gem. Through the nose and the palate, they quietly, but powerfully reveal the distillery’s treasures, making its history and its story almost tangible.
