BenRiach Peated Quarter Casks – 46% abv

Info: Fully matured in quarter casks, i.e. smaller casks than are usually used, which helps to mature the whisky faster. This is bottled at 46% abv, is non chill filtered and is natural colour.
Colour: Light gold, straw.
Nose: Light, bright, and medium peated; wood smoke and burning heather. Some spices, and light, sweet orchard fruits.
Palate: Rich and thick oils coat your palate easily with sweet barley, fruits and smoky peat. Hints of oak adds good spice.
Finish: The finish is long and warming, with younger oak notes lasting out for quite a long time at the end. Some herbal hints.
Thoughts: I love peated BenRiach, and I’ve had some crackers, generally the older ones work well for me with mossy, dunnage tones. They’re not so apparent here, this is a younger and more vibrant whisky, which is still very enjoyable, but maybe feels a touch rushed compared to the slower maturation of larger casks.
Available: Master of Malt – £49.84

Thanks to BenRiach for the sample.

Comments or questions? Why not come and find me on twitter @steveprentice.