BenRiach Curiositas 10 Year

This was a surprising malt! The nose reminds me of a finished lawn. Fresh cut grass and the mower gas and oil. I'm not a fan of the smell of peat. The palate was a revelation. Smoked and grilled juicy red pears and apples transition into kebabs with sweet onions, summer squash, and zucchini, all perfectly caramelized. The finish is rich and of medium length. It puts me in mind of a smokey, sweet, and slightly tangy barbecue sauce. This stuff is delicious and if not for my distaste for the smell, would be a 5 star rating.

Smoke on the nose but not offensive. The taste I received mint!

Benriach tasting evening, Sydney, June 24 2019. Whisky #(supplemental) Nose: Delicate peat, orchard fruit (apple, pear), light tropical fruit and berries. There are background notes of honey, oak and a touch of mint. As it rests, the smoky note becomes more defined and a little creosote, asphalt and soot are apparent, however it remains a light and delicate nose. Palate: The arrival is smoky and a little peppery, but it's not overly intense and there is a balancing nutty sweetness. The development brings sweeter malt notes with dried fruits and spicy oak in support. There is an estery quality to the palate. Finish: Short. Sweet and fruity with a touch of smokiness. Curiositas was one of the first core releases from BenRiach when Billy Walker bought the distillery in 2004 and restarted it after two years of silence. The early releases were necessarily produced from old stock using peated malt from the distiller's own maltings. However, recent bottlings of Curiositas comprise 100% "post-Walker" distillery new-make using peated malt from Simpsons, and there is a distinct difference in profile. I was not particularly fond of Curiositas the last time I tasted it (which was in 2010) as it seemed a pretty hot and rough on the whole, but I thought this 2018 bottling was much improved. Sweeter, fresher, more rounded and with a smoke note that is more delicate and complex. It's a pleasant whisky and a valid alternative to an Islay smoky, but to be honest I don't know that I'd bother to buy a bottle. This was not a part of the formal tasting, however after the event had finished the brand ambassador uncorked a bottle and poured drams for those who had remained for an informal chat. "Good" : 3.5 stars

Smoky but fresh dram