Benrinnes Thompson Brothers 11 Year old

I brought this bottle via ballot in feb this year for the very reasonable price of £45. In the photo it is the bottle on the right with a bird on the label (it is a capercaillie, which is a reference to the Diageo flora and fauna Benrinnes which has a capercaille on the bottle).

This is my second experience with Benrinnes. the first bottle I had was a Stronachie, which is actually Benrinnes. I enjoyed that bottle but it was a little underpowered at 43% So I was interested to try this cask strength offering.

The colour of this is very light. I'd say chardonnay.

Nose - (neat) savoury with a some sourness. Limes, clotted cream, wholemeal bread.

Palate - Quite grainy and cereally (I don't think that's actually a word!). It makes me think of cheerios. The development is long and drying with some wood sourness. The finish is also long and has some bonfire ash at the end.

With water - Again this can take a bit of water. But I found it was best with a teaspoon or so to a 30ml pour.

Nose - Some tropical fruit appears. I'd say mango and the cereal note is still present but it's more of a weetabix note.

Palate - The palate doesn't change much with water. The lime note is more pronounced and the finish is drawn out a little further with a slight spicy note on the finish which reminds me of Fisherman's Friends (British menthol sweet).

Overall - This a good solid Benrinnes sold at a reasonable price. I didn't love it as much as the Fettercairn but I still enjoyed it.

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