Whisky Review/Tasting: Benriach 12 years old

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Benriach Distillery
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Distillation & Maturation: The whisky is matured in ex-bourbon casks, with a possibility of a few or a single sherry cask being intermixed in a batch.
Age Statement: 12 years old
ABV: 43%
Color: Mid-amber with hints of gold, natural color from the casks, uncolored.
Clarity: Not specifically mentioned, but the natural color suggests clarity.
Bottle Design: Not described in detail, but it features a metal cap and is available in a miniature version as part of a set of four.

Balance of Flavors: Rounded, medium to full-bodied with a rich balance of honey, vanilla, cream, spice, and chocolate.
Unique Characteristics: The presence of chocolate notes suggests spiciness typically from ex-European oak casks. The whisky has a more elegant and full taste compared to the Art of Speyside without an age statement.
Comparison: Described as a successor to the Art of Speyside, offering a more mature, smooth, and elegant flavor profile.

Anecdotes/Trivia: The host, Horst Luening, mentions his preference for uncut video production and humorously suggests he would cut off the glass with a sword if necessary to open a bottle.

Historical Context: The Benriach distillery is known for its versatile cask maturation processes, and this 12-year-old expression showcases the distillery's craftsmanship in balancing the influence of bourbon and sherry casks.

Opinions: Horst Luening, the master taster, highly recommends the Benriach 12 years old for its elegant and full taste, suggesting it's worth the extra investment over the Art of Speyside.
Quotes: "This one is much more elegant than the Art of Speyside without an age statement. This is definitely a successor to the Art of Speyside."

Benriach 12 years old is a single malt Scotch whisky matured in ex-bourbon casks with a possible mix of sherry casks.
It has a natural mid-amber color, 43% ABV, and is uncolored.
The flavor profile is rich and balanced, featuring honey, vanilla, cream, spice, and chocolate.
The whisky is described as more elegant and mature compared to the Art of Speyside.
Horst Luening recommends it as a worthy investment for those willing to spend a bit more for quality.

For Whisky Enthusiasts: Those with a palate for nuanced, medium to full-bodied single malts will appreciate the complexity and balance of flavors.
For Beginners: The smoothness and rich honey-vanilla profile make it an accessible choice for newcomers looking to explore single malts beyond entry-level offerings.
For Collectors: The natural color, craftsmanship, and the story behind its production may appeal to collectors interested in the Benriach distillery's range.