When the Distillery Gets Its Hands Dirty

Most modern distilleries buy their malted barley from industrial maltings. It’s efficient, consistent, and about as romantic as ordering office supplies. Benriach’s Malting Season release does something different: it goes back to the old-school method of using traditionally floor-malted barley.

For a short period each year, the distillery focuses on spirit made from traditionally floor-malted Concerto barley prepared specifically for the Malting Season release. The whisky highlights malt character rather than burying it under heavy cask influence.

In other words, this whisky isn’t trying to impress you with fancy wood. It’s trying to remind you what barley actually tastes like.

Who Is This For?

Drinkers who enjoy whisky where the spirit and malt character take centre stage. Particularly appealing for enthusiasts interested in traditional production methods.

Overall Character

Medium-bodied Speyside malt focused on rich cereal notes, honey sweetness, orchard fruit, and gentle oak spice.

Production Style

Benriach Malting Season is produced using traditionally floor-malted Concerto barley prepared specifically for the release. The whisky is matured in first fill bourbon casks and bottled at 48% ABV.

Nose

Fresh and malty. Honeyed cereal and warm barley lead the aroma, followed by apple and pear. Vanilla and light caramel appear underneath, with a faint citrus lift. The malt character feels unusually clear and prominent.

Palate

Medium body with a slightly oily texture. Sweet malt and honey arrive first, followed by baked apple and vanilla. Mid-palate introduces almond, light caramel, and gentle oak spice. The 48% ABV gives the whisky structure and energy without overwhelming the softer flavours.

Finish

Moderate to long. Lingering malt sweetness, soft vanilla, and gentle oak spice remain. The barley character stays present right through the finish.

Strengths

Clear and distinctive malt character.

Good texture and structure at 48% ABV.

Traditional production approach adds authenticity.

Limitations

Flavour profile remains fairly focused rather than evolving widely.

Cask influence stays deliberately restrained.

It’s a whisky that proudly tastes like whisky ingredients.

Value & Use Case

A rewarding dram for enthusiasts interested in distillery production methods and malt-forward whisky styles. Particularly enjoyable when you want something slightly different from typical fruit-driven Speyside malts.

Similar Whiskies

Springbank 10 – Similar malt-driven character. Advantage: Greater coastal complexity. Disadvantage: Less pure cereal focus.

Benromach 10 – Similar traditional style. Advantage: Adds peat complexity. Disadvantage: Less barley emphasis.

Glen Garioch 12 – Similar robust malt backbone. Advantage: More spice and richness. Disadvantage: Less malt clarity.

Final Verdict

Benriach Malting Season stands out by putting barley back at the centre of the whisky. With strong malt character, balanced fruit, and solid structure, it offers a refreshing reminder that great whisky begins with the grain.

A whisky that remembers where it started.

Score

Nose – 89 / 100

Palate – 88 / 100

Finish – 87 / 100

Balance – 88 / 100

Overall – 88 / 100