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Benriach 12 years The Smoky Twelve

peaty malty
4.3
(3)€47Scotland, Speyside, Single Malt

Flavours

Whisky character

Fresh
Warm
Mild
Full
Smooth
Spicy

Taste mentions

Facts

Benriach took a bold route with this peated Speyside malt. Most smoky whiskies lean hard into the bonfire. This one balances it with sweetness. The trick is the maturation. Spirit rests for twelve years across three different casks: ex-bourbon barrels, sherry casks, and Marsala wine casks from Sicily. Benriach also marries unpeated and peated spirit together, so the smoke never takes over. You get baked apple and fresh fruit first, then a gentle ash and medicinal smokiness underneath. It is malty and warm rather than fierce. Pour it neat and let the layers unfold slowly in the glass.

Compare prices

Compare prices by shop
ShopType Price
Master of Malt
Master of Malt
700ml
€53.04 ( £46 )
700ml
€53.04 ( £46 )
Gall & Gall
Gall & Gall
700ml
€55.49
Drankdozijn
Drankdozijn
700ml
€46.95

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About the distillery

Distillery

Benriach

The Benriach distillery is located in the Speyside region of Scotland and was established in 1898. It is known for producing single malt whiskies that are characterized by their fruity and floral notes, often with a hint of peat smoke. The distillery sources its water from the Burnside Springs and uses traditional methods of production, including floor malting. In 2004, the distillery was closed but was reopened in 2008 after being purchased by a consortium led by Billy Walker. Today, Benriach produces a range of whiskies, including aged expressions and limited edition bottlings. The distillery is also known for experimenting with different cask finishes and maturation techniques, resulting in unique and interesting flavour profiles.

3.9Average rating

93Whiskies on Distilld

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Speyside

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About the Benriach 12 years The Smoky Twelve

Benriach 12 years The Smoky Twelve is a peated single malt Scotch whisky from the Speyside region of Scotland. It is made at the Benriach distillery, long known for doing things its own way. Most Speyside whisky is unpeated, so a smoky bottling here is unusual. Benriach embraces that contrast. The distillery marries unpeated and peated spirit, then matures it for at least twelve years. What makes Benriach 12 years The Smoky Twelve stand out is its three-cask maturation. The whisky rests in ex-bourbon barrels, sherry casks, and Marsala wine casks from Sicily. This layering shapes the flavour. The sherry and Marsala bring sweetness and ripe fruit. The peated spirit adds smoke and a soft medicinal edge. You meet baked apple and fresh fruit on the nose. Then a wave of peaty, smoky character arrives, with a trace of ash and warm malty depth. Apple runs through the whole glass. It is a smoky whisky that never feels harsh. The sweetness keeps it rounded and easy to enjoy. Bottled at 46% ABV with natural colour, it has body and texture to spare. The Smoky Twelve earned a Double Gold at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Drink this single malt neat to taste how smoke and sweetness sit side by side. It suits anyone who loves Speyside fruit but wants a smoky twist. The age statement and twelve-year maturation give it real depth. For peat fans exploring beyond Islay, this single malt is a rewarding place to start.