Benriach The Twenty One

I haven't shared tasting notes as often lately because I have many open bottles already reviewed, so I'm proceeding slowly to finish them one by one. (However, I've already ordered a bunch of new samples for future months). But today is a special occasion, prompting me to open a bottle from one of my favorite distilleries. The reason is we've officially confirmed a second child is on the way, due in September. A fitting moment to open something special. This whisky is quite new and, counting back, qualifies as a millennial whisky. It's a partially peated spirit sourced from a blend of virgin, ex-, and first-fill bourbon, sherry, and Bordeaux red wine casks, bottled at 46% ABV. I've enjoyed most of the 15+ year old BenRiach whiskies I've had previously, and all the characteristics of this one sound amazing. Aroma: Very reserved initially with a mild peat note alongside a mixed fruit salad and dark berry scents. A few more exotic fruits emerge, primarily mango and some peaches, leaning fresher than ripe. Then, orange jam over curd with dusted cinnamon, followed by white chocolate and warm maple syrup. A pleasant, subtle peat consistently enhances all the aromas, becoming progressively sweeter. Taste: Fresh oak wood, a bit of pine resin, spicy vanilla, the crust of dark Italian ciabatta bread, plum jam, then dark honey, but it's not overly sweet at all, definitely on the drier side. Finish: Light peat and some rough spices (nutmeg, bay leaves), with much of the fruit and sweetness having faded, leaving a nice combination of flavors. It is indeed a very enjoyable whisky, feeling quite well-balanced with that subtle peat integration. However, I am somewhat surprised by how understated it is on both the nose and the palate. I attribute this to the neck pour for now, but despite a rather significant alcoholic heat, I don't think 46% ABV is doing it justice. 50% would likely elevate it significantly, but as it stands (currently), it feels a bit elusive. I'm hoping it will settle and integrate better with some air time. For now, it doesn't quite feel like 21 years old. It also doesn't entirely feel worth the cost, honestly. I still like it, but I'm anticipating improvement. I will revisit it and adjust the rating accordingly.

A smooth initial impression that develops into a well-balanced mix of fruit and peat. It blossoms in the middle and leaves a complex lingering taste at the end.

Smoky spiced island outside