Earlier we kicked things off with the BenRiach 10 Years and today we’re kicking things up by 2 years with the BenRiach The Twelve. Though two extra years of maturation isn’t the only thing different about this release. The barrel lineup those two extra years were spent in were a bit different and the proof got kicked up by 3% as well.
The 10 used a combination of ex-Bourbon, ex-Sherry and Virgin Oak. For The Twelve, BenRiach swapped out the Virgin Oak in favor of ex-Port casks to further enhance the wine influence and build something that wasn’t just 2 years older and 3% higher, but its own unique profile.
BenRiach The Twelve – Details and Tasting Notes
Whiskey Details
Region: Speyside
Distiller: BenRiach
Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
Cask: ex-Bourbon, ex-Sherry, ex-Port
Age: 12 years
ABV: 46%
Non-Chill Filtered | Natural Color
Price: $60*
Tasting Notes
EYE
Light copper
NOSE
Malt, touch sherry sweet, fruit tart (dessert sweetness), earthy undertones, dark and orchard fruit, spice and honey with a touch of cocoa and herbal notes.
PALATE
Darker fruit, orchard fruit, caramel, malt, cocoa, spice, honey and a touch of vanilla with a light earthy profile.
FINISH
Medium -> Malt, fruit and wax.
BALANCE, BODY and FEEL
Nice balance, medium body and a lightly waxy feel.
BenRiach The Twelve – Overall
Aroma is sweet and fruity with a strong malty presence and light bits of spice that slowly rise and add to the complexity; Palate is good and darkly sweet with a malty core and a richer waxier delivery than the 10; Finish is nice and easy with a touch of wax at the end.
This is pleasant, like, perfectly so. Such an easy and tasty sipper with zero to really complain about. It’s easy to sip and makes a nice Rob Roy.
BenRiach The Twelve – Final Thoughts and Score
A deeper, more wine-influenced (sherry and port), version of the 10 with a heavier sense of fruit and malt and a more elegant delivery. Enjoyable from start to finish, this is a lovely Saturday afternoon sipper and far more complex and enjoyable than you’d expect from a core 12 year old. Yup… this BenRiach The Twelve is nice.
SCORE: 3.5/5
*Disclosure: The sample for this single malt Scotch review was graciously sent to me by the company without obligation. The views, opinions, and tasting notes are 100% my own.
BenRiach The Twelve Review $60
Summary
Definitely a recommended whisky for when you want something that’s easy, tasty and doesn’t hit like a Cask Strength does.
Overall
3.5- Nose (3.5)
- Palate (3.5)
- Finish (3.5)
- BBF (3.5)
User Review
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