Benriach 10 Year Old Smoky
ABV: 46% | Origin: Speyside, Scotland

A 10-year-old single malt Scotch whisky with a smoky profile. It offers a balance of fruit, honey, and peaty notes. This whisky is known for its smooth and approachable smoky character.

Tasting Profile

• Nose: Sweet honey, toasted oak, and soft peat smoke with hints of orchard fruits and vanilla
• Palate: Rich and layered, featuring smoked toffee, ripe pear, creamy malt, and warm baking spices
• Finish: Long and smooth, with lingering campfire smoke, oak spice, and a touch of citrus zest

Production Details

• Peat Influence: Crafted using Highland peat, which imparts a sweet, aromatic smoke rather than heavy medicinal notes
• Aging Process: Matured for 10 years in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-rum casks for added depth and complexity
• Non-Chill Filtered & Natural Color: Preserves the whisky’s full character and richness

Perfect For

• Fans of lightly peated whisky who enjoy a balance of smoke and sweetness
• A great introduction to smoky single malts, with a Speyside twist that’s smoother and fruitier than Islay peat styles
• Ideal for sipping neat, on the rocks, or in whisky-based cocktails

Expert Notes

• Unlike heavily peated Islay whiskies, Benriach’s Highland peat gives a softer, more aromatic smokiness.
• The rum cask influence brings a touch of tropical sweetness, enhancing the whisky’s complexity.
• A fantastic gateway whisky for those curious about smoky single malts but prefer a balanced, approachable profile.

Customer Reviews

• "A perfect balance of smoke and sweetness—rich, smooth, and full of flavor!" – James T. ★★★★★
• "Love the gentle peat! It’s smoky, but the fruit and vanilla notes make it really approachable." – Emily R. ★★★★½
• "If you like a hint of smoke without the overwhelming medicinal notes, this is an excellent choice." – Mark L. ★★★★★

Interesting Facts

• Benriach is one of the few Speyside distilleries that produce both peated and unpeated whisky.
• The distillery was originally founded in 1898 but was inactive for much of the 20th century.
• The use of rum casks in maturation adds a unique touch, setting it apart from other smoky whiskies.

Serving Suggestions

• Neat: Enjoy as is to fully experience the balance of smoke and sweetness
• On the Rocks: A small ice cube enhances the fruitiness and smooth texture
• Smoky Old Fashioned: Mix with bitters and sugar for a rich, spiced cocktail with a smoky edge
• Pairing: Complements grilled meats, dark chocolate, or smoked cheeses

Distillery

• Crafted at the Benriach Distillery in Speyside, Scotland, known for its innovative cask maturation and distinctive Highland peat influence.