This 25 year old Benriach is from a special selection of very old casks chosen by master distiller, Billy Walker. The casks chosen for this expression were aged in a traditional dunnage warehouse, which implies stone walls and earth floors – the perfect conditions for maturing the most exceptional whiskies, such as this one. This 25 year old Benriach is bottled at 50% ABV, with no caramel colouring or chill-filtration.
Nose: Lots of oak and barrel char, quite sweet with heavy hearings of vanilla- very reminiscent of an old bourbon. Peppery and spicy, with faint salt and a touch of fruity flowers.
Palate: Very floral- almost soapy- with orange blossom and heather. Mellows to a honey note with a lot of oak and some faint peach syrup. Slightly nutty Oloroso. Some rye-like christmas spices at the end.
Finish: Long, buttery with floral notes and a little spice.
Overall: A very interesting dram that evolves from nose to palate to finish. Will take even the seasoned whisky drinker by surprise. A great drop from one of Scotland’s hottest distilleries.