BenRiach 23-year-old (D.1997, B. 2020) Virgin Wood Barrel # 7420 / 51.6%/ 0.7l

BenRiach is undoubtedly one of the iconic distilleries of the new century.

Founded in 1897 and closed three years later, it waited 65 years for a second chance (it was owned by Canadian Seagram for the last two decades of the 20th century and acted as a research lab for Chivas Bros.). Intra Trading acquired BenRiach in 2004 and masterfully promoted the brand, while current owner Brown-Forman Corporation has strengthened its already strong position in global markets. The most exciting annual BenRiach single cask releases, most recently prepared by blender Rachel Barrie. The one presented here is from batch 17; it was distilled on July 7, 1997 and aged in virgin cask 7420 for 23 years. Its contents in 2020 translated into 248 bottles of whisky at 51.6% abv.

Aroma : lots of fruity sweetness, nectarines, bananas, cherries, coconut flakes, orange peel, toffee, vanilla cream, almond croissant, notes of anise and candied ginger.

Palate: sweet and spicy, vanilla, milkshake, pineapple, candied citrus peel, sugar syrup, coconut, baked apples with cinnamon, cloves, licorice and oak.

Finish: quite long, with notes of vanilla, caramel, fruit candy, mulled wine spice, a touch of mint and oak.