MURRAY MCDAVID BENCHMARK - GLENALLACHIE 15 YEAR TAWNY PORT CASK FINISH

From GlenAllachie Distillery Cask No. 900868A Distilled in 2008; Bottled in 2024 Aged 10 years in ex-P.X. and ex-Oloroso, finished 5 years in ex-Tawny port cask Age - 15 years 57.9% abv; 115.8 proof Open 3 weeks AROMA - Strawberry, raspberry, caramel apple, rose petal, inexpensive milk chocolate, honey, sweet malt, light cinnamon, and moderate ethanol. PALATE - Ripe berries, wildflower honey, chocolate-covered cherry, dark red wine, and cereal grain. The finish is long, with a hint of musty malt, aged grain, tart strawberry, green apple, shortbread, and moderate ethanol. I acquired this shortly after buying the Benchmark Tomatin 14Y, and it doesn't quite match that level. I generally prefer sherry to port finishes, but I assumed the initial 10 years in ex-sherry would balance the port finish. The Tawny port is the dominant flavor profile, accompanied by lighter sweet notes and fresh berries. This remains a good example of the quality available from an independent bottler like Murray McDavid, but the Tomatin 14Y is superior and costs $5 less.