Benriach Malting Season Second Edition Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

The inaugural release of this small batch offering yielded around 6600 bottles and was the first expression in a century produced entirely using barley malted from the Speyside distillery's historic floor maltings. For the second edition, Master Blender, Rachel Barrie selected Concerto barley malted in the Autumn of 2013. Stewart Buchanan, global Brand Ambassador at Benriach, commented “Passed from maltster to maltster throughout the generations, the highly skilled process of floor malting keeps a traditional part of the whisky making process alive, paying homage to Benriach’s creative whisky making heritage... Each new edition of Malting Season will use carefully selected types of barley and bottling strength, making each annual edition one of a kind in their own right.”

Aged in first-fill bourbon barrels and bottled at a marginally higher proof than the previous edition, Malting Season 2 is available in select markets for a limited time as of late 2022. We have received a small allocation. While not vastly different to the first release, it does express a fruitier cut with familiar Speyside notes of poached apples and pears plus the texture is slightly amplified with a vanilla cream sponge cake feel building towards the finish, reigned in by a deft touch of oak. Delicious, uncomplicated and broad appeal, Season 2 retains enough character to please seasoned drinkers. It's also a clinic for anyone wanting to appreciate the fundamental flavours of single malt. Tasted from a 30ml sample. 48.9% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... The nose has inviting aromas of orange blossom, quince jam, and buttery tea biscuits with a rich layer of vanilla icing. The palate is rich and slightly viscous, reminiscent of butterscotch caramels at first, then takes on more toasty scone notes with a bit of black tea tannic grip, cloves, and a faint bramble florality. The toasty/spicy/orange blossom flavors mixed with vanilla lead into a long, satisfying finish. 92 points - distiller.com