I’ve reviewed a couple of Peated Benriachs before (The Arumticus Fumosus & Heredotus Fumosus) and quite liked those back then. Both were finished heavily peated expressions, and it’s interesting to try a non-finished young peated BenRiach. That’s what the Curiositas is, exactly!
Benriach Curiositas , 10 yo , 40% ABV, £27 (buy here)
Nose: Peat, sort of dusty peat, underneath sits some wood and ,also some fruity notes (cherubs).
Palate: Sweetness of the barley, and fruit is well integrated with the massive peat and some spices (cinnamon,pepper). The palate is really nice, and much sweeter than the nose suggests. Lovely Mix.
Finish: Long, with long lasting peat, wee wood, and some cocoa/coffee bitterness, intertwined with the sweeter sugary notes of barley.
Bottom line :
a very enjoyable peated Speysider. Not Ultra Complex, and the nose could use a bit more Oomph and style. however the palate and finish make up for it.
I seem to like those BernRiachs. Well made, and at a good price point.
Who said good peated malts can only be found on Islay?
Slainte!
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