Origin: Speyside (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 56.9%ABV
Ageing casks: Refill and ex-Wine
Chillfiltered: No
Added colouring: No
Owner: Diageo
Average price: € 420.00
Official website: N/A
The most important ageing (and the most expensive bottle) of these special releases, which sees the return of Benrinnes to the series after its last appearance in 2014, with the same years of maturation that followed its first appearance in 2009 (23yo).
Not exactly a regular in the series, which returns in 2024 with the first eight years matured in refill casks (unspecified) and the next thirteen separately in American, European and renewed casks with charred lids, all seasoned in wine. I think the title needs no explanation.
Tasting Notes
Very fruity nose with a rich rainbow of colours, from peach to wild strawberry, from raspberry to mango, from banana to plum, declined in fresh and stewed fruit, sprinkled with nutmeg, cinnamon and white pepper. The bouquet is broad, with herbal aspects (black tea, tobacco leaves), sweetness (vanilla, chestnut honey), nuts (pecans, almonds) and a hint of Chablis. The aromas are accompanied by a balsamic, slightly mentholated vein and a delicate touch of old wood. With time it becomes warmer and rounder. Very elegant.
Lots of spice on the palate, with black pepper, ginger and nutmeg sizzling in the mouth, where the fruit takes the red route (blueberries, blackcurrants, strawberries) along with gooseberries, pink grapefruit, bitter orange and lime, with the rest of the orchard in a distinct minority trying hard to compensate. Lots of vinosity and astringency, a sea of acidity in which the sweet part struggles to emerge and ends up confined to the bottom with custard, sugar paste and almond candy. A salty tip in the length, where the mineral and balsamic vein becomes more present.
The finish is quite long, astringent, citric and spicy, with balsamic and menthol veins.
The long ageing in seasoned casks has destroyed all the elegance perceived on the nose, which on drinking becomes a little monotonous and unbalanced on the vinosity. A pity, also for the price, which is quite unreasonable.
Vote: 84/100