Massive information from Benriach, which has simply dropped its first single cask, single malt Scotch whisky bottlings ever obtainable within the U.S. Three expressions are arriving, all extraordinarily restricted (just a few hundred cask energy bottles every) and ranging in ages from 12 to 24 years outdated, with every drawn from a distinct sort of cask through which they had been totally matured (not merely completed).
We had been lucky to have the ability to attempt all three. Let’s dig in.
Benriach 12 Years Outdated Cask #3812 Pedro Ximénez Puncheon 2009 – There’s no mistaking the PX affect on this hefty whisky. The nostril is boldly nutty and leathery, with a delicate contact of smoke (though not peat). It’s once more boldly sherried on the palate, aggressive with notes of leather-based polish, grape should, darkish chocolate, and walnut oil. Some cereal perseveres all through the expertise — although the fruity-leathery sherry character can get slightly intense at instances. All advised it’s by no means wanting rewarding, the end culminating in a wine-heavy character wealthy with lingering notes of prunes, dates, and figs. 116.4 proof. A / $100
Benriach 23 Years Outdated Cask #10297 Marsala Cask 1998 – Marsala can have an outsized affect on single malt whisky, and this bottling isn’t any exception. The nostril is comparatively restrained, with citrus fruit surprisingly dominating. Once more it’s a bit smoky, not peaty, with notes of charred wooden, baked apples, and leather-based — and only a trace of that sweet-and-sour Marsala notice. The Marsala comes roaring into give attention to the palate, the place the unmistakable fortified wine comes into focus. Very nutty and really oxidized. Gritty and difficult on the extraordinarily prolonged end. I nonetheless haven’t discovered a Marsala cask-aged whisky that I’m in love with. 110.8 proof. B / $330
Benriach 24 Years Outdated Cask #15058 Oloroso Puncheon 1997 – We save the oldest however most acquainted cask type for final: oloroso sherry. Issues sadly have gone slightly lengthy within the tooth with this bottling. As with the 1998 Marsala Cask, it’s obtained a comparatively gentle assault on the nostril, nutty with winey notes, slightly scorching however lots approachable as floral notes develop with time in glass. The palate once more shifts gears: The sherry overload begins instantly, with closely oxidized, fairly nutty notes that masks extra delicate parts of fruit and cereal, which should be buried in there someplace. Leathery and difficult, the whisky quickly turns into austere and really winey, nearly beefy because the end arrives. The sharp citrus notes of youthful oloroso sherry notes are absent right here, they usually change into a lot wanted. 106.2 proof. B+ / $380
Benriach 12 Years Outdated Cask #3812 Pedro Ximénez Puncheon 2009
$100
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