Tasting The BenRiach Authenticus 21 yo

This one is the older brother of the 10 year old Curiositas I’ve reviewed in the past. Every year only 4800 bottles of this fine nectar are released.at 46% ABV, it’s non chill filtered, and natural colour, as we whisky geeks like!

BenRiach Authenticus 21 , 46% ABV , £60

Nose: A rather peaty nose, with quite a lot of smoke, and an underlying sweeter honeyed juice, with hints of apples, Sherry sweetness, the odd dried fruit, and spices.

Palate: Oodles of peat, on layers of sweet, spicy, honey juice. some leather, then off to more sultanas,dark chocolate and nuts. a lovely melange of peat and chocolate covered nuts.
Finish :Long, the peat dies slowly leaving the sweeter spices and honey juice around , with some oaky / woody feel to it. Lovely stuff!

Bottom line:

This is maybe my favourite Benriach in the series. It offers the maturity of spirit, with some wood and that lovely peat, and sherry influences are just right! Spot on.

Score: 89/100

Thanks to Don of the BenRiach for the official sample.