Benriach Smoke Season is an intensely smoked small-batch release that celebrates the Speyside distillery’s sweet peat. Created with 100% peated malt, Smoke Season has been double matured in both American virgin oak and bourbon casks and bottled at 52.8% ABV.

The nose has orange peel, chocolate and rich caramel. The palate is decadently layered with sweetness from the virgin oak casks, with dark vanilla and stewed apple, alongside dry oak, woody smoke and gentle spice. The finish is nutty with a smokey peppercorn aftertaste.

“The nose is an intriguing mix of smoked cinnamon, pinecone, and burning, sweet pipe tobacco. The palate is rather spicy, with sharp clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, and black pepper liberally sprinkled throughout flavors of baked apple, currant jam, rosemary, and a wee touch of smoked ham. A sweet, though not too peaty smoke wafts throughout the palate, leading into a sharp, spicy, hot finish.” – Amanda Schuster, Distiller