Style: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Age: 16 years
Proof: 86 (43% ABV)
Region: Speyside, Scotland
Out of all of the whisky-producing regions in Scotland, Speyside is the most prominent. Almost all of the most recognized and widely distributed single malt whiskies come from that region. Speyside distilleries are broadly known for producing approachable, rich, and sweet whiskies. Among those distilleries is the Benriach, which is currently led by master blender, Dr. Rachel Barrie. Founded in 1898 and nestled in the Northern part of the region, The Benriach is known for its production of smoky, peated whiskies and of course, their traditional Speyside expressions. Read More: BENRIACH THE SIXTEEN RETURNS TO CORE LINEUP
The Sixteen is the newest permanent addition to Benriach’s line of peated and unpeated single malt Scotch whiskies, but it may seem familiar to long-time Scotch aficionados – Benriach has offered a 16-year before. After production on their original 16-year-old expression ended in 2016, they decided to re-tool the recipe and craft another whisky to fit between the 12 and 21-year-old expressions they have continued to produce. So does this reimagined 16-year single malt have what it takes to carry the Benriach banner? Find out below.
Tasting Notes
On the nose, this whisky is fruity and floral with a noticeable presence of grain. It presents almost like an apple or peach tart with a hint of fresh clover flower and honey as well. There’s also the slight whiff of a freshly struck match.
Once sipped, The Sixteen doubles down on the grain, but now the flavor is a bit more like freshly-baked pie dough. The fruitiness shifts slightly to more of a fresh pear or baked and spiced peaches. There’s a slight sulfur note that some may find unappealing, but in the context of the fresh and dessert-like flavors, it helps to balance things out with a slight salinity and body.
It finishes very smoothly, with a hint of baking spice that blossoms in the back of the palate. A longer finish might be preferable to some, but for a Speyside whisky, it’s not to be unexpected.
Final Thoughts
The Sixteen is a welcome addition to The Benriach’s lineup. It delivers on the expectation of Speyside whiskies – it’s fruity, fresh, and approachable. But it offers more complexity than some of the more recognizable bottles that call the region home. The lit match, sulfuric note tends to be one a handful of drinkers are very sensitive to, and it is present here but in a very small amount – it presents more as a salty in this specific instance. Overall this bottle presents a Speyside that hits all of the marks expected from a single malt whisky from this region, but that hint of burnt match may be offputting to some.
