Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 06:18 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Explore the distinctions between Benromach 10 and Highland Park 12 in this detailed comparison to determine which Single Malt suits your preferences best!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Benromach 10 vs Highland Park 12: Comparison
Benromach 10: A Speyside single malt with layers of sherry, cinnamon, and smoke. Palate blends sweet vanilla with spicy ginger and peat. Long, oaky finish. Drinks well with water.
Highland Park 12: Sweet, approachable peated whisky. Floral nose with citrus, transitioning to a smooth, cereal and orange palate. Oaky, peppery finish. Good for beginners to peated Scotch.
Verdict: Both Benromach 10 and Highland Park 12 excel in their unique profiles. Benromach 10 offers a complex, peaty depth for a rich experience, while Highland Park 12 provides a sweet, approachable introduction to peated whiskies, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top Sherry Cask Aged Single Malts
Benromach 10: A Unique Speyside Single Malt with Peaty Depths
- Nose: Sherry, cinnamon, pepper, smoke, leather
- Palate: Brown sugar, vanilla, leather, pepper, ginger
- Finish: Long, oak spice, leather
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Benromach 15
The Benromach 10 offers a unique and complex taste experience, carving its own path within the Speyside single malt category. Here’s a closer look:
Intriguing Aroma: The nose opens with prominent sherry notes, followed by an intriguing mix of cinnamon, black pepper, aged leather, and a subtle hint of smoke.
Sweet and Spicy: The initial taste is surprisingly sweet, featuring hints of brown sugar and vanilla. This sweetness is balanced by notes of pepper, ginger, oak spice, and a touch of peat smoke.
Lingering Finish: The finish endures, leaving a complex impression with bitter oak spice, aged leather, and lingering delicate smoke.
A Speyside Distinction: Unlike traditional Speyside whiskies known for their light and fruity character, Benromach 10 showcases unique peaty and smoky nuances. While not as intensely peated as Islay whiskies, it strikes a distinctive balance between sweetness, spice, and smokiness.
Smooth and Complex: This 10-year-old expression belies its age with surprising complexity. It offers a smooth and enjoyable drinking experience with subtle peat character, although the finish may present a slight bitterness.
Beyond its Age: The maturity of Benromach 10 surpasses what one might expect from a standard 10-year-old whisky, offering a richer and more developed character.
Award-Winning Whisky: Recognized for its quality, Benromach 10 has earned accolades such as the Gold Medal at The Fifty Best Tasting Competition in 2011 and “Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky” at the Hong Kong IWSC in 2012.
Benromach Heritage: Crafted at the Benromach Distillery, founded in 1898 and owned by Scotland-based Gordon & MacPhail, this whisky is presented in its natural color, ensuring an authentic taste experience.
Maturation Details: Aged in a combination of 80% ex-bourbon casks and 20% first-fill Oloroso sherry casks, this unique maturation process contributes to Benromach 10’s distinct and complex flavor profile.
Highland Park 12: A Sweet and Approachable Peated Whisky
- Nose: Floral, smoke, orange, honey
- Palate: Cereal, orange, green tea, smoke
- Finish: Long, oak, pepper
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Highland Park 15
The Highland Park 12 offers a welcoming introduction to the world of peated Scotch whiskies, particularly for those who appreciate a balanced and approachable dram. Here’s a breakdown of its key characteristics:
Inviting Aroma: The nose greets you with delightful floral scents, balanced by zesty citrus and a touch of sweet honey.
Smooth and Sweet: The palate is smooth and sweet, featuring flavors of cereal, orange, and green tea. A subtle hint of smokiness emerges, alongside touches of iodine and honey. While the body may feel slightly lighter, it remains enjoyable.
Balanced Finish: The finish is moderately sweet with a touch of spice and a hint of oak. While not the longest, it leaves a pleasant and balanced impression.
Enhancing the Experience: Adding a few drops of water can unlock the whisky’s hidden sweetness and reveal intriguing meaty notes, potentially adding depth to the taste experience.
A Great Starting Point: The Highland Park 12 is an excellent choice for those new to peated whiskies. Its gentle smokiness and focus on sweeter notes make it a perfect starting point for exploring this style.
Easy on the Palate: While not overly complex, this expression’s approachable character and smooth texture make it a great choice for casual sipping.
Highland Park Heritage: Crafted in Scotland’s most northerly distillery, Highland Park 12 is aged in European and American casks that previously held Spanish Oloroso Sherry wine. This maturation process contributes to the whisky’s unique and balanced flavor profile.
Natural Color: Presented in its natural color, the Highland Park 12 offers an authentic taste experience.
Additional Notes:
- The distillery was established in 1798 and is located in Kirkwall, Orkney Islands.
- It is owned by the Edrington Group, which also holds other popular brands like Macallan, Glenrothes, and Famous Grouse.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Benromach 10 | $59 |
| Highland Park 12 | $47 |