A limited release from the BenRiach distillery in Speyside and the second edition in their Solstice series. Distilled in 1995 from heavily peated malted barley, matured for 17 years, initially in ex-bourbon casks before being finished in tawny port casks, and bottled in 2012. Non-chillfiltered, naturally coloured and bottled at 50%.

Nose: Aroma of stewed summer berries including strawberries, blackcurrants and red currants. The berry component is richly locked together by a muscular peaty blast. Latter traces of fortified wine and grapelike qualities become apparent.

Palate: Initial, dry roasted nutty notes flow over the palate. This advances to become a heavy peaty affair. Subtle notes of dried raisins, and candied fruit. Clean and very enticing with the dominant peat flavours lingering on the palate.

Finish: Smooth and very long.

#BENRIACH #SPEYSIDE