Benriach 15 Year Old Madeira Wood Finish

Since I just tasted their entry level malt, let's try a few more I have lying around and compare! This one, released in 2006, is matured in ex-bourbon barrels before being finished in Madeira casks.

On the nose, quite rich and fruity with raisins, peaches and mangoes. Very nicely balanced, with the vanilla complementing the fruit. As with the Heart of Speyside, water does little to nose or palate.

It's a little weaker on the palate, but some spices kick in with the caramel and oak. You definitely get the Madeira influence but it needs a little more complexity.

The finish is a little chalky, with some developing spices - and a little short. I get the sense they basically took the Heart of Speyside and finished it in Madeira casks until it was 15 years old. The crispness of the first malt has been replaced by fruit, which some will prefer but unfortunately, I do not.

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