1st fill ex-oloroso sherry has been utilised in this 11 year old Benrinnes. Spicy & Dry profile.
Nose: Plenty of creamy crème brûlée here – burnt custard and reduced brown sugars. This is supported by fudge and toffee alongside mocha and vanilla pods. This nicely treads the line between lightness and sweetness. The addition of water rings out some reduced and dried fruits – hedgerow berries, raisins and figs.
Taste: The arrival is creamy and surprisingly quaffable for 58.9% ABV. It delivers more of the creamy toffee and caramel detected on the nose, but builds in the mid palate with more intensity of flavours and some hints of peppery cask spice. The development continues into the back palate with reduced fruits – apple and pear crumble and burnt pan sugars. Water adds weight and texture (that’s weird right?!) with biscuits, cake mix and brown sugars.
Finish: Medium and with more less cream and more ‘zing’ – peppy cinnamon, a sprinkle of pepper alongside coffee beans and chocolate.
This Benrinness *really* loves water. Whilst it is approachable straight out of the bottle, the additional concentration of both fruit and sugar aromas and flavours is at its greatest when reduced with touch of H20. All rather pleasant.