What’s the difference between release 1 and the Benriach Smoke Season 2nd Edition? Nothing. Well, the whisky itself obviously because it’s a new batch, but when it comes to the actual specs, the answer is nothing.
It’s still a “double cask” release employing both new charred and used bourbon barrels, still peated, bottled at 105.6 proof, still about $75. So when it comes to the coverage of the details everything is the same. But when it comes to the whisky itself…
Let’s get to drinkin’!
Benriach Smoke Season 2nd Edition – Details and Tasting Notes
Whiskey Details
Cask Strength | Non-Chill Filtered | Natural Color
Style: Single Malt (Scotch)
Region: Speyside, Scotland
Distiller: Benriach
Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
Cask: ex-Bourbon, New Charred Oak
Age: NAS (3+ Years)
ABV: 52.8%
Batch: 2
Benriach Smoke Season 2nd Edition Price: $75*
Related Whiskey
Benriach Smoke Season (edition 1)
Benriach Smoky 10
Benriach Smoky 12
Benriach Curiositas 10
Benriach Septendecim
Benriach Smoke Season 2nd Edition Tasting Notes
EYE
Hay
NOSE
Smoked and candied banana a’la Bananas Foster, graham, marshmallow, slightly nutty.
Peaty banana… that’s the majority of what I’m getting on this.
PALATE
Smoked banana, caramel, hay, cinnamon, vanilla, almonds, Honey Nut Cheerios and a slight waxiness.
Palate is more complex than the nose and brings up some warmer earthier notes. Adding water brings up some light minerally-spirity notes, but it doesn’t come across as raw.
FINISH
Long -> Peat, Honey Nut Cheerios, banana, and malt.
BALANCE, BODY and FEEL
Decent balance, medium-full body and a light oily feel.
Benriach Smoke Season 2nd Edition – Overall Thoughts and Score
It’s noticeably less minerally than last year’s release, but it’s also noticeably more fruity with a heavy leaning towards the banana side of things. In fact, if I had to sum it up in three words they would be “smoked banana taffy”.
Now, is that necessarily a bad thing? No, I rather dig it. Is it something that sounds appealing to you? Well, that’s between you and your tastebuds and flavor preferences. Me, I like things that are a tad perverse in their combinations and this Benrich Smoke Season 2nd Edition fits that bill.
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 Smoke Season 2nd Edition Review $75
Overall
3- Nose (3)
- Palate (3)
- Finish (3)
- BBF (3)