Whisky Review/Tasting: Benriach 17 y.o. Septendecim

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Speyside, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation: Matured solely in ex-bourbon casks, using peated barley.
Age Statement: 17 years old.
ABV: 46%.
Color: Rich summer gold, resembling freshly harvested barley.
Clarity: Unspecified, but given the unchill-filtered nature, likely to have a natural clarity.
Bottle Design: The specific design is not described, but it is mentioned that miniatures are available in a set of four, indicating a potential marketing strategy to appeal to new customers.

Nose: Robust mix of fresh peaty aromas with a core of apples and toasted nuts, doused in wild mountain honey.
Taste: Sweet concentrated peat flavors dominate, with bold and intense notes. The peat heart is united with honey-infused resins, roasted nuts, and luxurious leather impressions.
Aftertaste: Not too long, with emerging caramel and sweetness on the tongue, and no bitterness.
Overall: Full and intense smoke, non-phenolic, non-medicinal bonfire smoke. Mild in the nose but more intense on the tongue with a smooth aromatic spiciness. Some fruit notes beneath the smoke.

Distillery Practices: Benriach distills whisky from both non-peated and peated malted barley, which is unusual for a Speyside distillery.
Product Range: The 17-year-old Septendecim is part of a peated range that includes a 10-year-old, 17-year-old, and 25-year-old, as well as the Bernie Moss.

Speyside Distillery: The Benriach distillery's practice of using both peated and non-peated barley is highlighted as unusual for its region, indicating a unique approach within the Speyside tradition.

"A well-balanced, well-aged whiskey."
"It's worth the money you pay for."
The smoke level is compared to that of Islay's south coast at 35 to 45 ppm, indicating a significant peat presence for a Speyside whisky.

Benriach 17 y.o. Septendecim is a peated single malt Scotch whisky from Speyside, matured in ex-bourbon casks.
It features a robust peaty aroma with notes of apples, toasted nuts, and wild mountain honey, leading to a taste profile dominated by sweet concentrated peat, honey-infused resins, and roasted nuts.
The whisky is part of Benriach's peated range, showcasing the distillery's unique approach in the Speyside region.
It is described as well-balanced and worth its price, with a smoke level comparable to Islay whiskies.

Peat Lovers: Those who enjoy a robust peaty profile with a unique twist will appreciate the Septendecim's bold flavors.
Speyside Enthusiasts: Whisky drinkers interested in exploring the diverse expressions of Speyside, especially those that break the mold with peated offerings.
Experienced Whisky Drinkers: Individuals with a developed palate looking for a well-aged, complex whisky that offers a balance of traditional and unique flavors.
Collectors: The availability of miniatures and the unique position of this whisky within the Benriach range might appeal to collectors looking to explore or showcase Speyside peated whiskies.