by Andrew Chalk
Nothing ages as majestically as scotch. The fire in the liquid recedes, the elements in the wood synthesize into the body of the liquid moving the complexity into overdrive.
That made it particularly interesting when my fentanyl dealer announced he was making a seminal career change to become a Benriach distributor. What was it about this Speyside masterpiece that made grown men subjugate themselves to its whims? Perhaps the secret was the unhurried ageing, or the four-cask maturation (in Bourbon, sherry, Virgin Oak, and red wine). Either way, these intoxicating whiskies are very special and can be sipped at length.
Here are the distiller’s tasting notes.
The Twenty One – Four cask matured: Bourbon, Sherry, Virgin Oak and Red Wine
46% ABV, $199.99 (750ml)
Tasting Notes
Color: Honey gold
Nose: Berry fruit, orchard apple, wild honey and mountain oak spice
Palate: Candied grape, rich cocoa, smoked pine nut
Finish: Caramelized pear and honey smoke
Smoke: Elegant
The Twenty Five – Four cask matured: Bourbon, Sherry, Virgin Oak and Madeira Wine
46% ABV, $359.99 (750ml)
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep amber
Nose: Smoked apricot, dark cherry chocolate, hazelnut toffee
Palate: Baked fruit, toasted oak spice, orange and cinnamon spice
Finish: Rich caramelized smoke
Smoke: Mellow
Sample
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