Company: Brown Forman Corporation
Distillery: Benriach Distillery
Region: Morayshire, Scotland (Speyside)
Aging: Matured for at least 12 years in bourbon barrels, sherry casks, and Marsala wine casks.
ABV: 46% ABV
Proof: 92 Proof
Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley (both peated and unpeated)
Non-Chill Filtered: Yes
MSRP Price: $70
Benriach 12 Tasting Notes
Appearance: Golden Honey
Nose: Peat, smoke, caramel sweetness, vanilla, oak, chocolate, dark fruits, citrus zest, earthy, tobacco, almond
Palate: Rich peat and smoke, caramel, oak, vanilla, citrus, candied fruits, dark fruits, clove, anise seed
Finish: Rich finish that leaves you with an oily mouthfeel full of peat, smoke, caramel sweetness, fruit flavors, and a bit of almond and nutty flavors with a lingering pepper spice
Is Benriach 12 an Approachable Whisky?
Benriach 12 is a big and bold peaty Scotch whisky that packs quite a punch.
This is definitely not a whisky for beginners, but if you’re a fan of Laphroaig, Ardbeg, or Octomore, you should definitely give this bottle a shot.
Is Benriach 12 Complex?
Benriach 12 is quite complex and offers a nice level of peat and smoke without being too overpowering.
It has layers of caramel and honey sweetness as well as lots of fruit flavors.
It also has a bit of oaky spice from being aged in ex-Bourbon barrels on top of the dark fruit flavors from the sherry casks and Marsala wine casks.
The finish is also quite nice and leaves you with a nice oily mouthfeel full of rich oak spice, peat, smoke, and spice
What are Benriach 12’s strongest attributes/flavors?
Benriach 12’s strongest attribute is definitely its peat and smoke.
It is well balanced with sweet caramel and vanilla, oaky spice, and nutty notes like almond and hazelnut.
Is Benriach 12 a go-to whisky?
Benriach 12 is a pretty good Scotch whisky for the price.
You get a nice, balanced peat and smoke profile without being too overpowering.
I could easily drink this Scotch as a go-to if I liked peaty Scotches with a nice fruit and oak flavor profile.
Is Benriach 12 priced accurately to its quality?
Benriach 12 does deliver on its price tag.
There aren’t many better peaty Scotches that you can get at a price cheaper than $70 other than The Big Peat.
But then again, The Big Peat is more subtle peat than a bold expression of peat and smokiness like Benriach 12.
Conclusion for Benriach 12
Benriach 12 is a nice bottle of peaty Scotch whisky for an affordable price.
If you’re a fan of peaty Scotches and haven’t tried this one yet, give it a shot.
Let us know if you think it’s on par with the competitor bottles from Laphroaig and Ardbeg.
Let Us Know What You Think
I hope you enjoyed this tasting experience with me.
If you decide to give this bottle a shot, please let me know on social media via Reddit, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
Thanks for reading and cheers!
0 Comments