Final fall, Benriach launched the third installment of its limited-edition Malting Season single malt whisky, however this time with out its non-age-stated companion, Smoke Season. It’s unclear if we’ll see that one return sooner or later, however in the intervening time we’ll must make do with simply the one. As a reminder, Malting Season is supposed to focus on Benriach’s use of ground maltings (for this launch solely), a bygone and laborious malting course of in use by just one different Speyside distillery. On the time of the road’s launch again in 2021, it was urged that completely different barley varietals might be utilized in future releases, however this third version, like the 2 that preceded it, has been made with Concerto barley. Likewise, the maturation has continued the pattern of twin cask getting older in ex-bourbon and American virgin oak casks. The abv, nevertheless, is the bottom of the road to this point. We’ve loved the pair of previous releases. Let’s see if Benriach can nail three in a row.
The nostril is as soon as once more candy and malty, chock filled with cooked cereal notes. The virgin oak cask comes throughout just a little clearer than previous releases with loads of contemporary sawn lumber and concentrated vanilla notes that solely serve to boost the freshness of the aroma. Beneath all of it, a little bit of straw and faint lemon peel continues an ongoing theme. The palate is as soon as once more remarkably crisp and clear with a evenly oily physique that reveals a bit much less of the chewy texture from the second version. Elegant notes of vanilla cream, clover honey, and almond cookies supply a formidable depth of taste to savor throughout the sip. A little bit of barley spice accentuates a mild, even heat and propels issues right into a candy, silky end accented by notes of minted syrup, stone fruit, and lemon candies. As Chris stated of the second version, one other banger.
96.6 proof.
A- / $165 / benriachdistillery.com
Benriach Malting Season 2023
$165
