Straight up no messing for this Benriach – just 9 years in a 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel. View on SMWS
Nose: Banana bread and hedgerow berries are merged with greenhouse elements – green peppers, vine-ripened tomatoes and leafiness. In the background, split vanilla pods, gingerbread men and clean cotton sheets. The addition of water presents oaty biscuits, salt crackers and a sprinkle of white pepper.
Taste: Under ripe green apples, vanilla cream, toffee and charred cask heads (presenting ginger) merge sweetness with spiciness – just as it says on the tin. Running throughout, ferns and leaf mulch with moist earthiness. Dilution introduces macadamia nuts and melted white chocolate.
Finish: Medium with singed oak and dusty white pepper.
This young Benriach presents older than its years, offering a straight-forward, but well balanced combination of sweetness, spice and cask influence. Entirely pleasant.
Score: 83/100