BenRiach 25 Years
While most Speyside malts exercise elegant restraint in their fruitiness, BenRiach dares to dance with peat smoke. Founded in 1898 and known for its experimental maturation methods, this traditional distillery presents a single malt that, at 46 per cent alcohol by volume, is unfiltered and undiluted, embodying the essence of a quarter of a century of cask maturation.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The BenRiach 25 greets the senses with a dry, almost salty smoke that immediately brings to mind windswept coastlines. This maritime character blends surprisingly harmoniously with the aromas of salted caramel, which acts as a sweet counterpoint to the smoky undertones. It is like wandering through an abandoned orchard on a stormy day. The fruitiness unfolds in the form of dried fruit, especially dried peaches, which have concentrated their sweetness through long ripening. These are joined by tropical notes of pineapple and the lemony freshness of lemongrass, which lend the whole a surprising liveliness. A hint of hard rubber resonates in the background, a typical peat signature that adds depth to the whisky. Very subtle, almost shy, a slight red fruit note can be detected at the edge of the aroma landscape, adding another facet to the complex bouquet.
Palate
Where the nose was still dominated by maritime smokiness, the palate surprises with unexpected sweetness. However, this sweet opening is immediately challenged by a decent ginger kick, which gives the mouthfeel a pleasant spiciness. The interplay is reminiscent of a perfectly balanced sweet and sour dish, in which each component brings out the best in the other. The peat is present on the palate, but never dominant. It gives the texture a certain volume, an earthy depth that prevents the whisky from becoming overly sweet. The consistency itself is creamy and smooth, almost flattering on the tongue.
Finish
Salt and sea salt form the first wave, followed by a slight hint of seaweed, which further emphasises the maritime character. But then something remarkable happens: a fruity, oaky note develops at the back of the palate, reminiscent of old libraries, leather armchairs and mysterious rooms. It is at this moment that the whisky actually tastes like Dumbledore's tower room – a mixture of ancient wisdom, magic and unexpected warmth.
Thoughts
Marcel 87/100
With the BenRiach 25 Year, you get a whisky that remains fresh and lively despite its age – an exciting dance between smoky coastal notes and sweet fruitiness that’s simply a joy to experience. The balance between peat and sweet aromas delivers endless drinking pleasure, almost like living through a story by the fireside. A true charmer from Speyside that, even after a quarter of a century, is still full of life.
Sascha 87/100
The BenRiach 25 demonstrates a remarkable structural balance between maritime peat smoke and complex fruit notes, precisely interwoven through 25 years of cask maturation. The subtle integration of salty and spicy elements, along with a smooth texture, makes this Speyside malt a technically refined example of harmonious cask selection and controlled aging. That said, the slight dominance of peat might polarize purists, but this in no way detracts from its character.
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85/100Frequently Asked Questions
Why does BenRiach 25 Years combine peat smoke with fruity notes, even though Speyside whiskies are usually mild?
BenRiach is known for its experimental maturation. In this 25-years single malt, the distillery blends the typical Speyside character with a dry peat smoke reminiscent of maritime coasts. This unusual combination creates a complex whisky that harmoniously unites both smoky and fruity aromas.
How does the 25-year cask maturation influence the taste of BenRiach 25 Years?
The long maturation over 25 years intensifies and concentrates the flavors, particularly the sweetness of dried fruit and dried peaches. At the same time, a complex bouquet develops with notes of salted caramel, ginger, sea salt, and a subtle red fruit hint. The aging also imparts a creamy texture and a multi-layered depth to the whisky.
Is the BenRiach 25 Years whisky colored or chill-filtered?
No, the BenRiach 25 Years is bottled unfiltered and undiluted at 46% ABV. This means it is neither artificially colored nor chill-filtered, preserving the whisky’s natural aromas and full texture.