BenRiach 12 years old Heredotus Fumosus Review

When I think of peat almost automatically I think of Islay whiskies ( and if you don’t you should read this article! ) but there is lots of peat outside that little Scotch island. Benriach, that now owns too Glendronach and Glenglassaugh distilleries, has had a stormy past with periods of time closed until it was rescued and reopened in 2004.

Since that year we have seen lots of different aged and finished Benriach whiskies, in particular the whisky we review today, Heredotus, is part of a series of 12 years old peated whiskies aged in different cask types: Importanticus Fumosus, Aromaticus Fumosus and Heredotus Fumosus.

Benriach Heredotus has been aged in PX casks for twelve years.

“Not bad although it is an style that I don't enjoy, peat and sherry. This one remembers me of my failed attempt of moscatel finished Laphroaig but correctly done”

89

Along with Importanticus Fumosus and Aromaticus Fumosus, this was part of a series of peated Benriachs finished in different wood types - in this case, Pedro Ximenez sherry casks have been used.

This dram has a gold-like color.

Nose (90): more than average. peat, honey, wood, citrus, raisins, cocoa.

Palate (89): powerful, oily. peat, honey, citrus, wood, cocoa, spices.

Finish (89): longer than average. peat, wood.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Benriach 12 year Heredotus Fumosus with 89 points over 100.

Well, there are lots of people that love this style. For me, it remind me so much of this failed attempt to age whisky that I can not truly enjoy it… oh! How much I miss this Laphroaig…

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