Benrinnes SMWS 36.97 18yr
Mashtun notes:
The nose on this cask strength Benrinnes is very refreshing. We got lemon, honey, grass, sweet vanilla, bourbon, and toasted cereal notes. The palate was dry and oaky with malt, honey, bourbon, and a little pepper. The pepper and grass continue into the aftertaste where zesty citrus fruits kick in until it tails off to a dry finish. It has a light golden colour and smooth dry mouthfeel. Leaving this dram in the glass to breathe sweetens the nose and palate; it also brings out floral notes on the nose. Adding a little water brings out pear drops and fruit on the palate, and hints of freshly baked bread on the finish.
All in all, this is a light refreshing summer dram that actually has a fair bit of depth to it. It’s very smooth and allows the bourbon to shine through without letting it overpower the whisky.
Benrinnes SMWS 36.97 18yr
Ginger Passionfruit Trifle: The nose neat had a very homely feel, a bouquet of brightly coloured flowers, autumn berry crumble with citrus cream, coffee walnut whips, fruity caramels, hessian potpourri hanging bags and clean wood ash. The taste had a sweet, gingery, citric balance like a well-made flavoured IPA accompanied by dry roasted nuts, coconut almonds and homemade bourbon biscuits. With a drop of water it became very aromatic and exotic as if walking down the fruit aisle of a supermarket with the flower display at the end and. The flavours were that of lemon & ginger tea and a ginger passionfruit trifle.
Notes: 57.9 ABV – 18 years old Benrinnes – Bourbon refill cask. 192 bottles produced and £70 per bottle at time of tasting.
Benrinnes SMWS 36.97 18yr
Nose:
Very refreshing, freshly cut hay and sweet vanilla
Palate:
Wild garlic (in a good way), oak, and toffee. Very light and refreshing
Finish:
Oak and vanilla with toffee and zesty citrus fruits at the end. Quite a dry finish as it tails off
Colour:
Light gold
Texture:
Light
Air:
Sweetens and lightens nose and palate. Also brings out floral notes on the nose
Water:
Brings out caramel and toffee on palate and freshly baked bread on the finish
Overall comments:
A light and refreshing dram that also has a fair bit of depth. This would be a perfect summer dram.
Benrinnes SMWS 36.97 18yr
Nose:
Lemon, grapefruit, lovely cereal notes, toasted oak
Palate:
Initially got bourbon and light oak, then malt and honey
Finish:
Slightly peppery aftertaste, not too long
Colour:
Pale yellow
Texture:
Soft mouthfeel, dry and spicy towards the end
Air:
Mellows with air
Water:
Water opens the nose up considerably
Overall comments:
Light and refreshing summer dram, very smooth, loved the cereal notes and peppery aftertaste
Benrinnes SMWS 36.97 18yr
Nose:
Honey, grass, moss, and bourbon
Palate:
Dry and oaky with a little pepper and bourbon
Finish:
Zesty and a little bit of straw
Colour:
Light gold
Texture:
Medium
Air:
Brings out a little solvent
Water:
Brings out pear drops
Overall comments:
A grand dram that is well balanced which the bourbon cask shines through nicely
