Ben Bracken Highland Peated
The discounter LIDL has several single malts in its range, including the Ben Bracken Highland Peated, which is described as powerful and intense. We took a closer look at the whisky.LIDL does not reveal which distillery is behind Ben Bracken. All we know is that we have a whisky from the Highlands at a bargain price in our glass. The packaging is brown, which distinguishes it from the other whiskies in the series. There is also a Highland whisky, an Islay Scotch and a bottling from Speyside.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Peated and smoky are hardly found here. Earthy and maritime-salty aromas are present. Apple, vanilla and caramel resonate, but are rather weak.
Palate
This scotch tastes extraordinarily thin and sweet. You have to search again to find the promised peat-smoke. We detect a maritime saltiness and a slightly peppery aroma. All in all, not unpleasant.
Finish
A trace of smoke and maritime saltiness lingers for a medium length.
Thoughts
Marcel 60/100
Those expecting a smoky flavor explosion will be disappointed – the Ben Bracken Highland Peated is more of a delicate companion with a slight salty note and sweet hints. For the low price, it’s certainly worth enjoying now and then, as long as you don’t expect too much.
Sascha 62/100
The promised intensity and smoke fall well short with the Ben Bracken Highland Peated; the whisky shows a weak structure with a thin texture and unbalanced sweetness. It may be acceptable in the low-budget segment, but true fans of peaty, smoky Highland whiskies should keep looking.
Value for Money: Good
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Why is the Ben Bracken Highland Peated hardly smoky despite its name?
Although 'Peated' is in the name, the Ben Bracken Highland Peated only displays very subtle smoke and peat notes. Instead, earthy, maritime, and slightly salty aromas dominate, while the smoke remains more in the background.
Which distillery is behind the Ben Bracken Highland Peated?
The exact distillery is not disclosed by LIDL. The whisky is sold as an independent bottling by Clydesdale and originates from the Scottish Highlands.
How does the Ben Bracken Highland Peated differ in taste from other Islay whiskies?
Compared to typical Islay whiskies, the Ben Bracken Highland Peated is significantly less smoky and peaty. It comes across as thin, cloyingly sweet with maritime and slightly peppery notes, rather than the intense smokiness associated with Islay.