BenRiach 15 Years Old Sauternes Finish is the latest addition to BenRiach’s ‘Wood Finish Series’ and is the replacement of the now discontinued BenRiach 16 Years Old Sauternes Finish, which I already reviewed earlier today.

Similarly to the old Sauternes expression, this new one is matured in bourbon barrels and afterwards finished in Sauternes casks. So the only difference seems to be the age – if not and you know more, please drop me a comment below. This is a limited release although I could not find an official statement about how strictly limited it is.

But now let’s see what difference one year can make.

Facts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name:	BenRiach 15 Years Old Sauternes Finish
Bottling series:	Wood Finish Series
Bottled:	2014
Age:	15 Years Old
Category:	Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Distillery:	BenRiach
Cask Type:	Ex-Bourbon Barrels, Finished in Sauternes Casks
Strength:	46.0% Vol.
Colored:	No
Chill Filtered:	No

Nose

A very lovely combo of apricot jam and ripe, juicy honeydew melon. Some subtle honey sweetness from the Sauternes. Joined by a minty note and floral undertones.

Taste

Rather oily and pretty fruity. Plums and grapes, balanced by lemon and orange zest. Now a slight tingling on the tongue. Also some toasted oak, present but more in the background.

Finish

Long. Peppery and slightly dry.

Overall

This is, pretty much like its predecessor, not a big, sweet dessert whisky. However the oak took a noticeable back seat here and thus the fruits can shine more through. Lovely and delicate with a very subtle Sauternes influence.

Score: 86 / 100

Sample provided by Thorsten Jung (Spiritscorner.eu)