Earlier this year I posted my notes for a younger single cask expressions bottled for the Singapore market. Unlike the other cask, this one is a wine cask , and a Gaja barolo to be more exact, rather than a classic sherry cask. It’s time to check out the older expression and see how we like it over here, right? I remember when i first tried those two H2H i immediately like this one better not just because it’s older (you know me, age is not everything), but it felt richer and the wine cask was not ‘too much’ , if you know what i mean, as wine casks can be too much for some spirits, they tend to overpower the malt if not used wisely.
The Benriach ‘Generations’ 1988 Single Cask Gaja Barolo , 54.8% , 269 btl
Nose: A bit of apple cider on the nose which does not stay a long time… better give this one a little time to breath as we call it. ,On second wave come some dried figs cherubs and spice. then a lot of fig jam on buttered bread and some dough and vanilla.
Palate: Dried fruit compote. Winey tannins Sweet juices juxtaposed by espresso and dark chocolate, with bits of chilly. and a hint of peat smoke.
Finish: Long. fruit in liquor. Cocoa and dark chocolate with raisins.
All in all a yummy scromptuos and rich melange of flavours, very drinkable at this cask strength, and shows lovely wine cask flavours without over imposing on the malt. Way to go Benriach! A pity this is only available at DrinkFellas shop in Singapore, so if you are nearby, try one of those if they still are in stock.