On the winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, BenRiach is delighted to announce the launch of its new 17 year-old Solstice single malt.

It’s the Elgin distillery’s second Solstice expression,following the heavily-peated Solstice 15 year-old launched this time last year which Jim Murray in his Whisky Bible describes as spellbinding.

Just like the original Solstice release, this BenRiach has been distilled from heavily peated malted barley, then matured in ex-bourbon casks before finallybeing finished in tawny port casks.

The winter Solstice is the point at which the Earth is tilted atits furthest from the sun and it’s the day of the year with the fewest day light hours. Worldwide, many cultures regard the Solstice as representing rebirth and festivals and Billy Walkers tasting notes confirm the 17 year-old is the perfect celebratory midwinter malt.

In appearance, it shows distinct rose characteristics, with a bright copper crest.

On the nose, lascivious fruits with a fabulous aroma of stewed summer berries including strawberries, blackcurrants and red currants. The berry component is richly locked together by a muscular peaty blast. Latter traces of fortifiedwine and grape-like qualities become apparent.

On the palate, initial dry-roasted nutty notes advance to become a heavy peaty affair. Subtle notes of dried raisins and candied fruit. Clean and very enticing with the dominant peat flavours lingering on the palate. Smooth and very long. A unique mix of fruit and peat which marry with extraordinary precision in classic proportions.

SalesDirector Alistair Walker said: “Our new malt is a superb marriage of peat andfruit, a worthy successor to our 15 year-old…and just as spell binding.

With the wind howling and the rain battering against the window, it’s a wonderfullywarming late-night dram. The original Solstice was one of our most popular releases over the last couple of years, so hopefully the second edition will beas well received.”

The bottling strength for the Solstice 17 year-old is 50%. It’s presented in a rigid gift box and a limited quantity is available worldwide.

For more information – info@benriachdistillery.co.uk