Peated Cask Strength Batch 1

BenRiach's Peated Cask Strength Batch 1 marks the first release in their peated cask strength series, an experiment that extends their established unpeated cask strength line. This is no standard Speyside expression: it is a deliberate choice to introduce peat to a distillery historically known for subtle, unpeated single malts.

The composition tells the story — 40% bourbon cask, 30% oloroso sherry cask, and 30% virgin oak — a trio that creates tension between smoky intensity and sweet, woody nuance. The virgin oak brings extra structure and vanilla, while the oloroso sherry adds soft caramel and chocolate. At 56% ABV, non-chill-filtered, this is no compromise version.

On the nose: charcoal smoke intertwined with caramel fudge and a hint of seaweed. The palate is full and half-dry — peat moss, cayenne pepper, and gunpowder upfront, followed by sour berries, bitter cocoa, and ginger beer. The mouthfeel is velvety, with nutty undertones (pecan, walnut, hazelnut) and citrus threading through. The finish is medium, clean, with no off-notes.