Benriach 1986 / 29 Year Old / Peated / Sherry Finish

This single cask of peated BenRiach is part of the Single Cask Release Batch #13. The malt was finished on an oloroso sherry butt. It has a lovely dark color. Almost 600 bottles were released at cask strength. For me, this was one of the highlights of the International Whisky Festival in Ghent in February 2017.

On the nose it seems as if all kinds of dark fruits like figs and plums are drenched in a barbecue sauce. Lovely combination. It has a green garden herb like note, but it is the fruit that dominates and draws your attention. Round and rich, juicy and… succulent, that is the word I am looking for!

The arrival is wonderfully creamy and coats the tongue immediately with all those wonders from the nose, upholstered with loads of spices (cloves, cinnamon and black peppers). A smoky marmalade of raisins, figs and dades, with some orangettes and freshly ground coffee beans in the mix. Don’t you dare add water to this – this is easily quaffable and delicious!

The finish is pretty long and warming, but remains dark and sweet until the death.

Recommended! I have said before that the combination of peat and sherry is not always easy for me, but often very good. This BenRiach is a good example of that. It has become all but unfindable, unless you are willing to fork over 325 EUR.

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