BenRiach The Smokey Ten is a beautifully crafted 10-year-old Speyside single malt whisky, renowned for its elegant balance of smoky peat and rich complexity. This expression highlights BenRiach’s mastery in marrying traditional Speyside character with a subtle yet captivating smokiness, matured carefully in three different types of casks to create a unique and layered flavor profile.
About the Producer
BenRiach Distillery, founded in 1898 by John Duff, is nestled in the heart of Scotland’s Speyside region—one of the world’s most celebrated whisky-producing areas. With a proud legacy spanning over a century, BenRiach is recognized for its innovative approach to whisky making while respecting time-honored traditions. The distillery is famous for producing a wide range of styles, from unpeated to heavily peated whiskies, showcasing the versatility of Speyside malts. BenRiach’s dedication to quality and experimentation with different cask types has earned it a respected place among whisky enthusiasts globally.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Rich golden amber with a warm glow.
Nose: Inviting aromas of sweet peat smoke entwined with orchard fruits, vanilla, toasted oak, and subtle hints of spice and citrus zest.
Palate: Smooth and full-bodied, delivering a harmonious blend of smoky peat balanced by notes of ripe apples, honeyed malt, cinnamon, and a touch of dark chocolate. The influence of the three casks—bourbon, sherry, and virgin oak—adds complexity and depth.
Finish: Long, warming, and satisfying with lingering smoky notes, soft spices, and a hint of oak sweetness.
Production and Maturation
BenRiach The Smokey Ten is matured in a trio of casks: American bourbon barrels, Spanish sherry butts, and virgin oak casks. This innovative maturation process allows the whisky to develop a rich, multi-layered character, combining the sweetness and fruitiness of bourbon and sherry casks with the robust oak influence and smokiness from virgin oak. The whisky is lightly peated, reflecting BenRiach’s signature style that balances traditional Speyside smoothness with smoky complexity.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this whisky neat or with a splash of water to reveal its intricate aromas. It also pairs wonderfully with rich foods such as smoked meats, strong cheeses, or dark chocolate desserts. Its balanced smoky profile makes it appealing to both peat lovers and those new to smoky whiskies.
BenRiach The Smokey Ten is a testament to the distillery’s craft and innovation, delivering a refined smoky Speyside whisky experience full of depth, character, and warmth.
