The Benriach Distillery, has today announced the launch of a
new peated single malt Scotch whisky expression.
Benriach Smoke Season (52.8% ABV) was matured in a
combination of first fill bourbon barrels and charred American Virgin oak
casks.
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| Benriach Smoke Season |
This latest release, which forms part of Benriach's recently revamped portfolio, is said to celebrate the time of year when peated spirit runs through its stills, a tradition revived by the distillery over 50 years ago.
Smoky whiskies are not traditionally associated with
Speyside, but look back through its distilleries archives and it’s clear that
heavily peated single malts were the preferred palate of the region back in the
19th century.
Different to the majority of peat sourced near the sea by
distilleries on the West Coast and Islay, Highland peat is sourced from the
mainland and derived from ancient trees and heather. This character produces a
distinct aromatic smoke which toasts the barley at Benriach.
Commenting on the news, Dr. Rachel Barrie, Master Blender at
Benriach Distillery, said: “At Benriach we’re always looking to push the
boundaries of what is possible in Speyside single malt. With intensely peated
spirit batch distilled every year, we never stop exploring how the fruit and
smoke aromatics intertwine and mature in a range of eclectic oak casks, either
amplifying or transforming the perception of peat. Smoke Season is the result
of exploring 100% intensely peated malt, batch distilled and matured in 1st
fill bourbon barrels combined with a high proportion of charred and toasted American
Virgin oak casks.”
She went onto say: “Crafted exclusively from intensely
peated malt distilled in Smoke Season, the spirit is reminiscent of barbecue
smoked fruit in a pine forest. American
virgin oak and bourbon barrel maturation develop sweet caramel smoke and cinnamon
spiced roasted apple, with hints of charred orange peel and hickory.”
Benriach Smoke Season, will be available later this month
from specialist retailers, for a RRP of £53.00.
Posted by Steve Rush