On Monday I received another surprise package of the new Boutique-y releases. I felt like it was my birthday all over again. Me, being a whisky geek, couldn’t resist and I started to try some of of them right away. My plan was to taste one. But before the night was done I had tried a sip of all four of them.

They will be reviewed as the next four posts, including this one. I’ll start with the BenRiach, because I was most curious about that one. BenRiach is one of my new favorite distilleries since a year or so. At first I was a little disappointed with some releases, but leaving the finishes for what they are and diving more into the single cask and higher strength releases satisfied me intensely.

So with this one, a limited release of 140 bottles, I think I have to be quick in ordering one. Technically, I am just waiting to see if my father in law wants something too. Splitting shipping costs is one of my favorite things. I hate spending whisky budget on overhead.

Sniff:
This is like BenRiach 101. There’s the base of their classic Speyside style, with hints of a heavier sherrying kind and some peat smoke in the background too! Some wood and allspice too. Crushed almonds paste as well.

Sip:
The palate is friendly, but absolutely not timid. Sweet wood spices with crushed black pepper. A small hint of sweet and earthy peat as well. Very different from Islay style peat. Wood and sweet spices mostly.

Swallow:
The finish continues the works of the palate and nose. Fairly long and friendly is what must be noted. Toasted oak, roasted almonds, sweet with spices with some tree bark as well.

This must be one of the best affordable BenRiachs that’s out there. At least it’s one of the best I’ve tried but I have to admit I’m just starting to explore this great Speyside distillery. I love the label but apart from that I just want one. Or two.

The 1st batch of BenRiach from That Boutique-y Whisky Company is available now from Master of Malt for the fair price of € 62.13.

Sample supplied for reviewing by Master of Malt.