Whisky Review/Tasting: Benriach 10 y.o. Curiositas

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Speyside, Scotland
Type: Peated Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Distillation and Maturation Process: Traditional distillation with maturation achieving optimum balance of peat, bittersweet, and oak infusion after 10 years.
Age Statement: 10 years
ABV: 46%
Color and Clarity: Natural color, with no specific mention of clarity or color in the transcript.
Bottle Design: Not described in the transcript.

Balance of Flavors: A strong peat smoke character balanced with fresh fruit, floral, heathery notes, and an appealing presence of oak wood in the finish.
Unique Characteristics: Notable for its peat richness enhanced through the use of malted barley dried over peat-infused kilns, unusual for a Speyside malt.
Comparison: While not directly compared to other whiskies, it's implied that its peated nature is distinctive within the Speyside region, traditionally known for unpeated malts.

Historical Context: Peated Benriach represents a return to the original Speyside character and flavor of malt typical of the 19th century, before the widespread availability of coal reduced the use of peat.
Production Insights: The distillery's decision to produce peated malts is influenced by the success of Islay distilleries, showcasing a revival of traditional practices.

Speyside Tradition: The whisky embodies a historical Speyside character, offering a glimpse into the region's distilling practices before the industrialization of the process.
Environmental Note: Mention of peat growing more in the highlands than is cut away each year, highlighting sustainable aspects of peat harvesting.

Horst Luening's Opinion: Appreciates the non-chill filtered, natural color, and the traditional maturation process. He notes the whisky's strong peat smoke balanced with fresh fruit and oak, describing it as a "hefty aromatic" experience.
Quote: "In fact, Peated Benriach is a return to the original Speyside character and flavor of malt typical of the 19th century."

Benriach 10 y.o. Curiositas is a peated single malt Scotch whisky from Speyside, aged for 10 years, with a 46% ABV.
It features a strong peat smoke flavor profile, balanced with fresh fruit, floral, and oak wood notes.
The whisky represents a return to 19th-century Speyside distilling traditions, emphasizing the historical significance of peat in the region.
Horst Luening highlights the whisky's traditional production methods and its distinctive peated character within the Speyside category.

Peat Enthusiasts: Those who enjoy a strong peat smoke character in their whisky will likely appreciate the Curiositas.
Speyside Scotch Lovers Looking for Something Different: Traditional Speyside fans interested in exploring a peated expression from their favorite region.
Whisky History Buffs: Individuals fascinated by the historical aspects of whisky production and regional characteristics.
Beginners with a Preference for Smoky Flavors: New whisky drinkers who have a palate for smoky flavors might find this a compelling introduction to peated Scotch.