BenRiach Classic Cask Strength Batch 2

Reviewing a bottling from the Really Good Whisky Company Advent Calendar. I've decided to sample these drams "blind," noting aroma, taste, and finish before revealing details like bottle, alcohol content, and cask type. I'll also offer some estimations regarding proof and cask treatment and see how accurate they are. Cheers! Nose: A whiff of herbs, charred wood, and a slight mustiness from malt. Honey and dried grass are present. Plenty of woody notes intertwined with a strong ethanol presence. My guess is 48% ABV. The significant oak influence suggests new wood or smaller barrels were used. Green apples appear, but no banana – perhaps a single malt? Maybe 10-15 years old? Hints of underdeveloped dark fruit. Blueberries coated in chocolate. Sweet vanilla and citrus oils. Palate: A distinct sherry character, though not overly sweet. A touch of maple emerges. Floral and herbal notes are woven throughout. Possibly from Speyside? Black pepper, balsamic, and sun-dried tomato flavors. Raisins dipped in chocolate. It's substantial and robust, quite well-balanced, and makes a strong impression on the back of the palate. Medium body. Finish: A powerful wave of ethanol that cools as I exhale – did I misjudge the proof? Could it be closer to 55%? Chocolate-covered raisins, mint, and sweet basil. As these fade, the oak appears, and the tannins become quite prominent. Leather and earthy pipe tobacco linger for a considerable time – a definitely extended finish, with ample oily texture. It persists, with hot cinnamon and nutmeg joining in. This would be interesting in some eggnog. Other thoughts: I'm pleased with this one – I identified the virgin oak and ex-sherry influence. I also guessed the region correctly. Although this is NAS, it was created from a blend of casks dating from 2006, 2007, and 2008, vatted together in 2018, so my age estimation was somewhat close. The proof, however... It reminds me of my earlier difficulties with the advent calendar, being surprised by high proof and significant oak. I was only off by 5%, so I'm not too upset. This is not necessarily the most intricate tasting experience. And it's certainly not understated. But its existing qualities are very well executed – this is a quality whisky, and if you enjoy high-proof spirits as I do, I think you'll appreciate it. As I'm writing these final remarks, the finish from my last sip is still going. A definite recommendation from me, and another one to add to my "if I see it again, I'll certainly consider buying it" collection. Enjoy!

Three dear friends have birthdays in a short six-week period, and we all enjoy whisky. Each year, during those six weeks, three of us team up to select a bottle for the fourth. We each receive a surprise bottle and gather one evening to open them. This was the selection for me last year. My first Benriach. Let's see. Nose: Green and red apples. Apricot and pear with a hint of plum. Cranberry and raspberry. Toffee, shortbread, honey, and vanilla. Plenty of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, plus some oak. Palate: Plum, red apple, cranberry, raspberry. Pear and apricot emerge after the red fruits. Orange citrus and a blend of red and green grapes. Caramel and milk chocolate. Toffee and shortbread. Honey and vanilla. A subtle jam note provides a slight thickness before cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg return to take over the middle of the palate. Finish: Red apple, red grape, plum, orange, and apricot come first. Roasted almond and walnut. Cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and oak take charge and deliver the final waves of a lengthy finish--as expected from a whisky at 60.6% ABV. 4.25/5. My friends know my preferences well. Cask strength is definitely the ultimate way to enjoy whisky. This bottle perfectly showcases the quintessential Speyside character in its most powerful state--a winner for me. I've sampled the 10 and 12 year olds once each and never purchased a bottle of Benriach. Following this experience, I'll definitely try them. I let this one breathe for 9 months, and now that I'm halfway through, I can confidently say this benefits from oxidation. Good stuff.

The aroma is quite light, with notes of damp wood, vanilla, and mild butterscotch, plus a floral undertone. The palate is exceptionally light and grassy, lacking the expected intensity for its proof. It has a pleasing viscosity. Unfortunately, the damp wood flavor persists, and the bright notes of mild citrus, chamomile, and vanilla don't overcome it. Adding water increases the damp wood and spice, along with hints of dried apricot and vanilla. It tastes unbalanced and immature. While not unpleasant to drink, it's genuinely not good. There's some complexity, and the high proof is a plus, but it's not enjoyable. The spices become harsher with more water, leading to a numbing sensation. A nutty note eventually emerges, but the negative aspects remain.

From the Speyside region near the Lossie River. Nose: sweet toffee, wood, cocoa, and more fruit. Texture: moderate. Taste: akin to sipping liquid toffee, with a hint of scorched sugar, subtle smoke, and a lingering sherry note with smoke. Aftertaste: enduring toffee smoke. Quite enjoyable. Remark: reminiscent of rich chocolate syrup, superb.

Subtle scent, yet oak is detectable. Perhaps a whisper of raw wood as well. The taste is typical Speyside, with some piquancy added. Sweetness reminiscent of vanilla sugar cane, the spices are delicate, akin to those used in baking. Harmonious blend, medium in body, supporting the flavors. Balanced, though not particularly thrilling.

Full strength, but not much flavor experience