The Tops@Lifestyle Whisky of the Week

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Rowan Gibb and Eamonn Dowling present Benriach Speyside 12-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
This is the Whisky Monster Review:
The Twelve is the unpeated 12-year-old single malt whisky of the revamped range of BenRiach distillery. With the new whiskies, all 10 and 12-year-old expressions in the core range are aged in three different casks at least 10 years now. I have already written a review about BenRiach The Original Ten which was also 'three cask matured'. Unlike The Original Ten, The Twelve is aged in bourbon, Sherry and Port casks. It is also bottled at 46% abv, which is slightly higher than The Original Ten.
This whisky was also selected as the #3 at Top 20 Whiskies Of 2020 by Whisky Advocate. So it also carries a big mystery as it is a very new bottle in the market.

How Does It Taste?
Wowza! The nose has tobacco to start with which is followed by ripe Sultanas. Then a generous amount of maple syrup is spilled on these getting you to feel like you are having a big old bourbon! Sandalwood, cherries and baked pears add on top to create a richer nose.
The palate is following the steps of the nose with raisins, cinnamon, oak spices and caramel notes. Sultanas reappear in time with a slight gingery feeling. The finish starts with white peppers, cinnamon, ginger, tangerine and dark coffee beans.
Verdict
BenRiach The Twelve is something I wasn't expecting to be this complex and bold! It is surely a great whisky at this price and I can totally understand how it made to number 3 on the above-mentioned list. I can easily say that this is a top-notch product from the distillery and kudos to Dr. Rachel Barrie. In an interview I had with her a couple of months ago, she was really excited about The Twelve.
11 Apr 2024 10AM English South Africa Leisure · Society & Culture

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