Benriach 1988 Virgin Oak (for Belgium)

Our very own Belgian Malt Maniac Bert Bruyneel selected this cask (bourbon hogshead 4019, bottled in 2008 by Premium Spirits, Belgium, 290 bts).

The nose keeps you waiting, but after a bit of patience you’ll get an extraordinary combination of vanilla (lots and lots), baked apples and oak. A lot of grain as well. This is definitely the virgin oak at work. It’s also quite fruity and flowery (heather, violets). Seasoned, roasted nuts make this very complex nose complete. This one is off to a great start.

It has a wonderfully rich body in which not only the nose returns, but also toffee, fruitcake and cinnamon, as well as apples appear. But most of all, a truckload of vanilla. Easily drinkable, even at 53%. Almost a little too easy…

The finish is warm, long and complex.

This is by far the best BenRiach I’ve tasted, putting shame to the competition. The bottle can be found for about 100 EUR today. I strongly recommend you try it.

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