BenRiach 1976 30 Year Old cask 3557

This BenRiach (cask 3357) is unfortunately long gone. Two sistercasks (3550 & 3558), both bottled for the Limburg Whisky Fair (Germany) in May 2009, appear to be legendary. They get rave reviews across the board, as does this one. Insiders even claim this cask is the best of the three.

If there is something like a grenade of exotic fruits, with grapefruit, pineapple, peach, apricots and coconut (to name just a few), than it just exploded in my olfactory device. KaBOOM! Now, mind you, this is not the first time I smell this in a whisky, but it sure was the first time it was such an intense experience. But, hang on… it’s not over yet. I get cinnamon and gingerbread, a slight scent of horse stable and something that says ‘purple’ to my minds eye. Violets? Grass? Yes, definately wet grass, after a recent shower. The picture is perfect with a tad of peat.

But the siege doesn’t end there. After the fantastic fruit bomb on the nose, the mouth is bombarded with a very exciting fruity attack, immediately supported by soft spiced vanilla. The aromas from the nose are parachuted on the palate in full galore. This is pure enjoyment, make no mistake.

The long and fruity finish, ending with some white pepper, forces you to surrender.

There is a reason for this BenRiach to be called The One That Cannot Be Named, because I can imagine drammers wanting to keep this whisky all to themselves (how rude!).

Connoisseurs put this dram on a pedestal and with good reason. I feel honored to have been able to sample it (and if I were to reveal that this was hidden in a line-up of 18 exclusive whiskies and came out as my personal favourite… well… I rest my case). Thanks, BenRiach, you’ve just made my… month.

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