BenRiach The Smoky Twelve is the peated 12 year expression in the relaunched core range from the historic Speyside distillery established in 1898 by John Duff. Master Blender Dr. Rachel Barrie crafts this single malt from a marriage of unpeated and peated BenRiach spirit, then matures the whisky for at least twelve years across three cask types: ex-bourbon barrels, sherry casks, and Marsala wine casks. The result is a layered single malt that bridges Speyside fruit with rich, sweet smoke, balancing dark chocolate, charred orange, and warming oak spice. Awarded 95 points by Wine Enthusiast, ranked number three on Whisky Advocate's Top 20 of 2020 with 94 points, and recognized by the IWSC at 93 points, this is one of the most acclaimed peated Speyside single malts in the modern era. Bottled at 46% ABV in BenRiach's signature embossed bottle and presented in a soft lavender presentation tube, The Smoky Twelve delivers depth and complexity that punches well above its age statement.
ABV / Proof
| Brand |
BenRiach |
| Distillery |
BenRiach Distillery, Elgin, Morayshire, Scotland |
| Master Blender |
Dr. Rachel Barrie |
| Region |
Speyside |
| Type |
Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Peated |
| Mash Bill |
100% Malted Barley |
| Age |
12 Years |
| Cask |
Three cask matured: ex-Bourbon Barrels, Sherry Casks, Marsala Wine Casks |
| Smoke Level |
Rich |
| ABV |
46% |
| Proof |
92 |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
Scotland |
| Packaging |
Embossed bottle in lavender presentation tube |
| Awards |
95 points Wine Enthusiast, 94 points and #3 Top 20 of 2020 Whisky Advocate, 93 points IWSC |
Tasting Notes
Color: Burnished gold with rich amber highlights.
Nose: Smoked vanilla, charred orange, toasted almond, and aromatic smoky sweetness layered with ripened orchard fruit.
Palate: Creamy and smooth with dark chocolate, fruit peel, brown sugar, and smoked oak. Honeycomb, apricot, and caramelized sugar build with warming oak spice.
Finish: Long and lingering with cocoa, candied orange, malt sweetness, subtle oak tannins, and a final wisp of sweet peat smoke.
FAQ
What is three cask maturation? The Smoky Twelve is matured in three different cask types: ex-bourbon barrels for vanilla and creamy sweetness, sherry casks for dried fruit and depth, and Marsala wine casks for richness and a layered sweetness that complements the peat smoke.
How peated is BenRiach The Smoky Twelve? BenRiach describes the smoke level as rich, but the peat is well integrated and softer than typical Islay peat. It carries a sweet, aromatic Highland style of smoke that suits drinkers who want depth without the medicinal Islay punch.
How does The Smoky Twelve compare to The Smoky Ten? The Smoky Ten is matured in bourbon, Jamaican rum, and toasted virgin oak casks for a fresher, fruitier profile. The Smoky Twelve uses bourbon, sherry, and Marsala casks for a richer, more dessert leaning expression with greater dark chocolate and oak spice complexity.
Where can I buy BenRiach The Smoky Twelve online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
