Benriach The Smoky Twelve is a Speyside single malt Scotch whisky that offers a unique combination of the region's classic fruity and malty character with a distinct, yet integrated, smoky influence. It's crafted from a combination of unpeated and peated malt and matured for at least twelve years in three different cask types: bourbon barrels, sherry casks, and Marsala wine casks. This triple cask maturation contributes to its complexity and depth of flavor.
Tasting Notes:
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Nose: Opens with inviting aromas of smoked vanilla, charred orange peel, and toasted almond. Hints of ripe fruit, perhaps peaches or apricots, mingle with a gentle, aromatic smokiness.
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Palate: The palate delivers a satisfyingly rich and creamy texture. Flavors of dark chocolate, fruit peel, and brown sugar are prominent, complemented by a noticeable but not overpowering smoked oak character. There's a lovely interplay between sweetness, fruitiness, and the savory smoke.
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Finish: The finish is long and lingering, with notes of cocoa and orange entwined with a gentle, smoky farewell. You might also detect hints of warming spice and nuts.