Benriach Peated Quarter Casks Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Given the rate of recent demand for smokey whiskies, it seems mandatory for distilleries to add at least one expression to their range. Benriach (and Speyside at large) have been producing heavily peated malts for some time. Historically, much of it made its way to the blenders. Launched in 2016, this edition is matured in tiny "quarter casks", equivalent to one quarter of a butt, and approximately half a hogshead. A smaller cask increases the whisky to wood contact and so 'forces' the maturation to take place at a faster rate.

Tasting note: Bright straw gold. Boot polish / bon fire / scorched earth kind of peat dominates the nose. Later passes add baked citrus, choc-chip cookie. Palate is creamy yet fresh, earthy, smoked herb-like. Mid palate stage finds dense vanilla, cocoa, toffee apple. Sooty peat, menthol and cocoa aftertaste. An entertaining Highland take on the heavily peated genre. 46% Alc./Vol.