Like the first edition, the Benriach Malting Season 2nd Edition is made from Benriach’s floor malted barley and aged in a combination of new and used cooperage. The only difference on the surface between the two is the ABV (#2 is .2 % higher), but after tasting, I’m wondering if it’s the casks too.
This is only a slight spoiler, but this release tastes more mature, less harsh and carries more “bourbon notes” from used cooperage than the last batch did. This makes me wonder if the ratio of new to used hasn’t also been adjusted to further favor the used vs the new, but maybe more 1st fill this time.
I don’t know and they’re not saying so the best we can do is drink and theorize. Both of which I do a lot here so, let’s get to drinkin’!
Benriach Malting Season 2nd Edition – Details and Tasting Notes
Whiskey Details
Style: Single Malt (Scotch)
Region: Speyside, Scotland
Distiller: Benriach
Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley (Concerto)
Cask: ex-Bourbon, new charred oak
Age: NAS (~8 Years)
ABV: 48.9%
Batch: 2
Benriach Malting Season 2nd Edition Price: $130*
Related Whiskey
Benriach Malting Season (1st)
Benriach The Twelve
Benriach The Original Ten
Benriach Cask Strength
Benriach 25 Years
Benriach Malting Season 2nd Edition Tasting Notes
EYE
Light hay
NOSE
Buttery malt, vanilla taffy, Honey Nut Cheerios, dried orchard fruit, hazelnuts, Circus Peanuts and almonds.
It smells more like an ex-bourbon vs new charred oak whisky with these softer notes.
PALATE
Vanilla taffy, buttery malt, dried orchard fruit, melon rind, baking spice and some light oaky notes with a bit of Circus Peanuts.
Has a nice dessert profile to it, I’m enjoying the buttery sweetness.
FINISH
Medium -> Buttery malt and baking spice.
BALANCE, BODY and FEEL
Decent balance, medium body and a warm soft feel.
Benriach Malting Season 2nd Edition – Overall Thoughts and Score
This is a massive improvement over last year’s release. Where the first edition of this was light and spirity with weak cask influence, this has a good amount of cask influence and character. This release has texture and structure and more importantly, a nice aroma and flavor.
Adding water opens it up and smooths out the slight rough edges, but it also brings out a lot of that same Banana Quik note I got in the previous one. Which I don’t hate, but I don’t love either. However, and more importantly, none of the off notes in the first edition come back and that makes the Benriach Malting Season 2nd Edition a win in my book.
SCORE: 3/5 (above average, worth checking out ~ B- | 80-82)
*Disclosure: The sample for this Scotch review was graciously sent to me by the company without obligation. The views, opinions, and tasting notes are 100% my own.
Benriach Malting Season 2nd Edition Review $130
Overall
3- Nose (3)
- Palate (3)
- Finish (3)
- BBF (3)
User Review
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