BenRiach was one of the first Speyside distilleries to bring out a serious range of peated spirit alongside their classic unpeated whisky. In general I like their peated style and there’s now a 1995 single cask exclusively bottled for the Belgian importer.

BenRiach 20 yo 1995 (51,8%, OB for Premium Spirits Belgium 2015, Oloroso butt #7377, 636 btl.)

Nose: the combination of the Oloroso (which can have a smoky character sometimes) and the actual peat makes it rather earthy. Pipe tobacco, cigar boxes, hints of cured meats and leather. Also raisins, chocolate and dry spices. Mouth: rich and...