A taste of Old Particular Benrinnes 15 Year Old (2004) Scotch Whisky
Benrinnes (named after the nearby mountain - ergo Ben in Scotland) Distillery found in the Speyside region has held a special place in my heart since we used a 10 Year Old Benrinnes for a finish in our Woodstock McLaren Vale Shiraz casks.
Back pre-2007 they were using a partial triple distillation method to promote meaty/sulphury style, and this being a 2004 distillate should be from that camp. But the Old Particular range of hand selected malts from Douglas Laing and co are chosen for 1 reason: their exceptional character, and this is certainly and exceptional example of Benrinnes whisky.
The nose has a slight autumnal damp forest floor nature, with touches of yellow flesh plums and a rich herbaceousness with a backbone of clean crisp malt. The malt hits first on the palate, and as you hold the whisky in your mouth the smooth gentle weight from the alcohol builds nicely with a lovely sugar and spice character. The label mentions 'sugary coffee' which is certainly true for me atleast.
The finish is of good length, but perhaps a little prickly (from alc) for some. The finish is carried by the diminishing sweetness and increasing spice.
Allround I find this to be a really great example of Benrinnes. Overally smooth and balanced. 92 points from me.
This release is from a single refill hogshead (DL13911) producing 328 bottles, with no colouring or chill-filtratation and bottled at 48.4% ABV.
Available now in the store.
Back pre-2007 they were using a partial triple distillation method to promote meaty/sulphury style, and this being a 2004 distillate should be from that camp. But the Old Particular range of hand selected malts from Douglas Laing and co are chosen for 1 reason: their exceptional character, and this is certainly and exceptional example of Benrinnes whisky.
The nose has a slight autumnal damp forest floor nature, with touches of yellow flesh plums and a rich herbaceousness with a backbone of clean crisp malt. The malt hits first on the palate, and as you hold the whisky in your mouth the smooth gentle weight from the alcohol builds nicely with a lovely sugar and spice character. The label mentions 'sugary coffee' which is certainly true for me atleast.
The finish is of good length, but perhaps a little prickly (from alc) for some. The finish is carried by the diminishing sweetness and increasing spice.
Allround I find this to be a really great example of Benrinnes. Overally smooth and balanced. 92 points from me.
This release is from a single refill hogshead (DL13911) producing 328 bottles, with no colouring or chill-filtratation and bottled at 48.4% ABV.
Available now in the store.