BENRIACH 12YR PEATED/PORT WOOD 53.6% 750ML D-2005 B-2017; SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY (SPECIAL ORDER 1 WEEK)

Each year, BenRiach’s Master Blender selects a small number of casks that have developed to their peak of individual character. They include whiskies that have been aged in virgin American oak barrels and port pipes. The whiskies are individually hand-numbered, non-chill filtered and bottled with its natural color. Nose: It is quite fruity with notes of cooked/stewed fruits. Stewed plums and cranberry sauce are what come to mind most. A bit of peat and some minerals lurk in the background. Palate: This is definitely peated, you get a lot of wonderfully savory and meaty notes in the form of steak juices. There’s a tangy, slightly spicy, note that reminds me a lot of shrimp cocktail sauce. Some soy sauce comes in as well. Adding a touch of water doesn’t seem to do a lot beyond bringing out a little bit of sweetness in the form of a sweet wine. Finish: Pretty short. A smidge of mineral water but not a lot going on.