Benriach's Smoke Season Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a special edition that harkens back to the historical roots of the Speyside region. While Speyside is not commonly associated with heavily peated or smoky whiskies, records from the 19th century indicate that such styles were once a part of the region's distilling tradition.
This special edition whisky is crafted to celebrate the time of year when peated spirit runs through Benriach's stills, a tradition that was revived by the distillery over 50 years ago. Smoke Season is a small-batch release that showcases one of Benriach's time-honored production techniques.
What sets this whisky apart is its intense smokiness, balanced with exquisite sweetness. It undergoes a two-cask maturation process, aging in both American virgin oak and bourbon barrels. These wood types are intentionally chosen to enhance and amplify the toasted sweet notes present in Benriach's smoky spirit.
Master Blender Dr. Rachel Barrie has fine-tuned a new recipe for this expression, making it the most intensely smoked whisky ever released by the Benriach distillery. It's a unique and bold addition to the distillery's range, celebrating the rich history and craftsmanship of Speyside whisky-making.
Tasting Note by Benriach:
Nose: Caramel smoke, oak spice, citrus peel.
Palate: Smoked dark vanilla, seared apple, and cinnamon with lingering charred orange into a sweet and smoky finish.