BenRiach The Twelve

BenRiach The Twelve opened the evening exactly the way an opening dram should, welcoming, expressive, and immediately engaging without overwhelming anyone’s palate. It set the tone for the night with its trio of cask influences, offering a gentle complexity that encouraged people to settle in, take their time, and ease into the tasting. From the first pour, it carried that signature BenRiach brightness: baked orchard fruit, honeyed malt, soft spice, and a touch of sherry‑driven depth that felt warm and inviting. Its balance made it an ideal starter. The fruitiness was lively without being sharp, the sweetness was comforting without becoming heavy, and the subtle oak and spice added just enough structure to make the dram interesting. It gave everyone something to talk about right away, a whisky that’s approachable for all palates but still layered enough to reward a closer look. It opened conversations, relaxed the room, and set a steady pace for what was to come. As the first whisky of the night, it did its job flawlessly. It welcomed the group, primed the palate, and created the perfect foundation for the rest of the evening’s drams. A confident, charming opener, exactly the right choice to begin the session.