BENRIBENRINNES 23
YEAR OLD - 1985 SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY
A classic European Oak profile and a wonderful
digestif; big and sweet then mouth drying and
just very, very good. There is something deliciously
festive about this whisky. It’s redolent
of a log fire in the library, buttered crumpets
and candles on the Christmas tree.
* A limited edition, natural cask strength single
malt.
* From Benrinnes, an active distillery on Speyside.
* The first limited release from the distillers
for twelve years
* From European Oak sherry wood casks filled
in 1985.
* 6,000 bottles released worldwide. Unfortunately,
not sold in the US.
Appearance: Rich,
deep mahogany with good beading.
Nose: Classic,
muscular Benrinnes with an added and immensely
seductive sweetness rippling through it. Crème
brulée with a highly caramelised surface.
Intense black fruits (prunes), Christmas cake
and dates, laced with rich sherry. Behind, a beefy
note with some allspice, like a touch of gravy
left in the meat pan. Water (just a splash) initially
brings the toffee-apple sweetness even more into
focus above such meatiness. As it becomes waxier
the fruity notes withdraw, yet some moist Christmas
cake remains - much later, the meatiness reasserts
itself. Superb balance and complexity.
Body: Heavy.
Full. Immediate grip.
Palate: Big,
powerful and immediately assertive. Sweet, then
mouth drying, yet not astringent because that
concentrated sweetness remains. Waxy-viscous texture;
slight traces of brimstone. Raisin and lots of
date. Softens as it moves slowly across the tongue.
Water lightens the grip and introduces a lightly
smoked character. The voluptuous texture is countered
by tannic dryness. Sweet to start and beefy, in
all senses. Very, very good.
Finish: Exceptionally
long, dry and warming, leaving a mellow, lingering
aftertaste of treacle and sandalwood.
Tasting Notes Courtesy of
Diageo |
Ben
Rinnes (simply known as "The Ben" by locals)
is a mountain in the region of Moray, Scotland. The beautiful
and distinctive outline of Ben Rinnes (840m, 2775ft) is
one of the best loved landmarks in Banffshire. Benrinnes
Distillery was established in the 1820s and was built
700 feet (213 meters) above sea level on the northern
slopes of the mountain of the same name which dominates
eastern Speyside.
whisky
had its official bottling in a Flora and Fauna range.
