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Not Scotch. Not Irish. Something confidently its own.
A tasting reflection by Guntar Svencis — a whisky enthusiast who has spent much of his life around whisky culture and inspired some of our own experiments along the way.
“What struck me most about Papa Benny was not complexity for the sake of complexity.
It was character.
From the very first pour, it felt different from the usual whisky categories people are used to placing everything into.
Not Scotch.
Not Irish.
Something comfortably standing in its own space.
The aroma immediately brought fresh-cut grass, green apple, pear and that vibrant youthful freshness you rarely encounter in whisky today.
On the palate it stays smooth, mellow and approachable. There’s soft wood, gentle oak and, with a few drops of water, subtle caramel notes begin to appear — but nothing aggressive, nothing overpowering.
What I personally enjoyed most was that freshness. That lively green character. It gives the whisky its own identity instead of trying too hard to imitate familiar traditions.
It’s approachable without feeling empty.
Smooth without losing personality.
And honestly — that balance is rarer than people think.
— Guntar Svencis
P.S. from Papa Benny
Want to keep driving the old car?
We don’t mind.
While you enjoy the ride,
we’ll be heading somewhere closer to space.