On the fifteenth day of the Dramcalendar, we have the BenRiach 1996, bottled by Malts of Scotland.

This is one of two BenRiachs that were released last year by Malts of Scotland. The other one is a 23 Years Old and was matured in a bourbon barrel. Independent bottlings from BenRiach are a relatively rare species nowadays, so I’m really excited about this one.

Facts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name:	BenRiach 1996
Bottler:	Malts of Scotland
Vintage:	1996
Bottled:	2014
Age:	18 Years Old
Category:	Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Distillery:	BenRiach
Cask Type:	Bourbon Hogshead
Cask Number:	MoS 14017
Number of bottles:	282
Strength:	52.2% Vol.
Colored:	No
Chill Filtered:	No

Nose

Lots of white fruits. White peach, bananas, pears and pineapple cream. The fruitiness is nicely balanced by honeycombs and hints of vanilla and caramel. There is also something “green” in the background like garden herbs, mint and ivy.

Taste

Creamy and very smooth with a honeyed sweetness. The light fruits are back again in form of grapes, yellow raisins, pineapples and mountain peach. Then a bit spicy and peppery. Caramel makes a short appearance at the end.

Finish

Very long with a dry sweetness and a good deal of oak. Cinnamon, licorice, wood polish, dark chocolate and herbs.

Overall

A very fruity and smooth cask strength single malt. In some ways pretty close to an actual bourbon.

Score: 85 / 100