BenRiach 20 Year

Nose - Dark honey, a trace of chocolate, leather, toasted nuts, dark toffee, oak Taste - Oaky, spicy fruit, chocolate mole spice/sweetness, dark honey, slightly sweet bitter toasted nut skins, baked apples/pears, lightly burnt caramel Finish - Lingering tingle/heat, sweet bitterness is dominant, dark caramel creaminess, bitter fruit Score - 75/100 Final Thoughts - This definitely showed its age on the nose, as it was nicely balanced and had this "dark" quality that took its time to emerge. The palate reflected a little of this age in that it just tasted "mature" with all the flavors seeming well-developed, but regrettably, there was this underlying nutty/fruity bitterness that somewhat detracted from the overall impression. Some Scotches balance this bitterness well, but this was just a bit distracting. Would I drink it if offered? - Perhaps Would I specifically order it? - No Would I buy a bottle? - No

Back in town for work, I visited my preferred whiskey bar. It's a hazardous place for me; I intended to have one or two drinks but ended up trying five new drams. The staff recognizes my usual choices, indicating frequent visits! They always have new selections, starting with the newly branded 20-year-old Benriach. At 43% ABV, it didn't offer much, and adding a couple of drops of water caused it to fall apart. Frankly, their standard range hasn't impressed me. Revisiting it later, it did improve slightly. I'd rate it around 3.25.

Evaluated neat in a glencairn. The pour displays a polished brass hue. It exhibits nice sheeting and forms slow legs. The aroma is otherworldly. Exceptionally subtle. It leads with ripe orchard fruit. Notes of damp fields of tall green grass, soft apples verging on overripe, and a hint of quince are present. On the palate, it presents rich caramel, saltwater taffy, black pepper, and aged barrels. Astonishing! Could it be Amontillado? Despite claims of PX, it's remarkably delicate. Its unavailability brings me sorrow. Experiencing this drink brings me joy.

A friend shared this. An older, no-longer-produced bottling. Must contain some Sherry Butt influence. A moderately smooth and pleasant aroma. Better immediately after a bourbon.

I haven't tasted this one, but I'd pick up a bottle. I enjoyed the 10-year-old at a scotch tasting. I wasn't a fan of the 12 or 15-year-old expressions. Your best bet is the 10, 17, or 21 if you happen to find them.

BENRIACH - 25 YEAR. PLEASE UPDATE THE APP. IT'S VERY SMOOTH. A LIGHT BURN IN THE MOUTH ADDS A KICK TO KEEP YOU GROUNDED. IT MAKES YOU DROWSY.