Curiositas is a 10 year old, peated release from the BenRiach distillery in what they call the 'classic Speyside style'. A distinct malt with great depth and a bittersweet balance.
This bottle was part of a private collection - if you'd like more detailed photos just get in touch!
Sweet grassy malt, succulent fudge and hints of smoke and heather lead. There's a touch of malmsey underneath with fragrant honey and mellow oak.
Caramelised sugar and strong cereal flavours form the core. Marshmallows, ripe stone fruit and a warm nuttiness develop while peppery spice tingles in the backdrop with green wood smoke.
Bittersweet with slight suggestions of dry oak, beeswax and fennel.
This is one of my personal favorites, first sipped in Granton-on-Spey, last dram of the night... and what a dram it was. The nose has a deceptively strong sense of peat and smoke, but it is not as strong as you would think once it hits your palate, it becomes a juxtaposition of sweet and smoke, and the finish lingers well after your done. I love that the taste totally surprises in comparison to the nose, a good and unique whisky.
I'm thoroughly impressed by this wizzo. I've had plenty of peated scotch but at the cost of the Curiositas nothing comes close. Well at least not a the outlet I purchase from.
What else needs to be said
I just had to laugh out loud while trying this dram and reading the label that states it is "particularly unusual for a Speyside malt". I disagree with Mymic that this is something Dalwhinnie or Highland Park people might enjoy. To me it is simply a unique palate of acquired tastes that combines more nastiness then any peated Islands whisky I've tried before. Love it though
Don't appreciate the donwngrade!
