The Birnie Moss has been around for a couple of years now since 2008, and it’s been added ‘officially’ to the peated Benriachs (change of bottle, and packaging). This one is the youngest of the bunch (NAS) but the color really gives it away,as well as the nose, as we’re about to see soon.It’s bottled at 48%, which is nice for an entry level NAS (nice!).
The Benriach ‘Birnie Moss’, NAS, 48%
Nose: Oh my. This is almost a new make as far as the nose goes. if you have ever had a peated new make, this is it. Pears, apples, very fruity, a lot of peat, and so sweet. The color is almost clear too, with a wee yellowish hue.
Palate: Sweet, fruit and new-make-ish. lots of smoke, some dough, and cereals. Schnapps like almost. Young, young young.
Finish: Peat, Ash, and memories of far away fruit.
While visiting Balblair last year we had a taste of a peated new make, and this reminds me of it quite a bit. I am not sure how long this one spends in the casks, but boy, it’s a baby whisky. I would not recommend buying it if you are not a real lover of the new make, and peated new make to be more precise, but it you are , then it’s a good way to go.
Score: 75/100
Official sample provided by The Benriach