Speyside distillery BenRiach has released the oldest whisky in its peated line \u2013 a \u201crare\u201d 30-year-old expression called Authenticus.<\/p>\n
The whisky is described as a \u201crare opportunity to experience a peated Speyside single malt dating back to the 1980s\u201d.<\/p>\n
BenRiach began distilling a proportion of its whisky using peated malted barley in the 1970s, and is thought to have been the first Speyside distillery to release a peated expression since the World War Two. The smoky offering \u2013 BenRiach Curiositas 10 Years Old \u2013 was released in 2004, and remains part of the core BenRiach peated range. A 21 year old edition of Authenticus was originally released and was then replaced with 25 year old in 2013 – this edition won Gold in the 2013 International Wine & Spirit Competition.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs the oldest expression in our peated range, we believe Authenticus 30 years old will impress with its distinguished profile,\u201d said Rachel Barrie, who moved from Morrison Bowmore Distillers to join the BenRiach Distillery Company \u2013 comprised by the GlenDronach, Glenglassaugh and BenRiach distilleries \u2013 in February this year.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is a more intense Speyside malt which carries a delightful balance of wild honey and peat on the nose. The combination of the soft, creamy vanilla, summer fruits and slight hint of cocoa coax the palate, while the infused sweet peat builds gradually to complete the unique character.\u201d<\/p>\n
BenRiach Authenticus is non-chill-filtered and has been bottled at 46%.<\/p>\n