After we tried two younger single casks from the latest batch it’s time for the real deal : Two single casks from the 70’s. Mind you, i was only a baby when those two were filled (boy, I am getting older). 1976 casks have quite a reputation for being amazing, and I do wonder how those would stand up to that… Let’s start with the younger, which was finished in a Moscatel wine cask. The PR does not indicate the period of time for the finish, but it sure was quite influenced by the cask.
BenRiach 1977 cask # 1031 36 yo Moscatel Finish , 54.9%,£349
Nose: Thick dark sherry with coffee beans pepper and balsamic vinegar. The wood influence is also quite clear with moist spicy wood and shiitake mushroom water (just like when you soak the mushrooms in water) . Some Greek black olives too. Sweet and savoury at the same time. Interesting.
Palate: Bitter sweet with dark chocolate, sweet mulled wine, nuts, leather and coffee (think : double espresso), with a hint of fruit (mostly exotic) under it all : pineapple and and some grape peel.
Finish: Very dry, moist earth, damp wood, espresso and crushed coffee beans and a hint of sherry.
Very complex, and interesting, yet quite different than what I had expected. Good stuff indeed.
Score : 88/100
still available at Master of Malt for £349
BenRiach 1976 cask # 2013 , 37 yo 49.6% , £378 
The next dram was not finished in any cask, and is presented au naturel, which is just lovely. no need to finish this amazing cask.
Nose: Ohhh. this is some serious nose! crystallized lemon. Vanilla. Warm wood. Pineapple. Kiwi. Golden syrup. Lychee. in short : Oh My God. this is the kind of nose I LOVE!
Palate: beautiful stuff going on here as well : red grapefruit , pineapple and wood. Lemon peel, sugared kiwi. Pepper. Vanilla. Old wood varnish. It’s a party of explosive tastes in your mouth, makes you want to sing. Splendid.
Finish : Wood varnish and red grapefruit, with a bit of wood varnish and soft spices.
In three words: I love this. Exceptional stuff. it’s not cheap, and is well over my price limit, but if you can afford it, or afford to share a bottle with a mate, major fun is guaranteed.
Score : 94/100
Two very different casks as you can see, with a clear winner in my book. Splendid stuff all around, and many thank to the BenRiach for sharing those samples. Splendid stuff.
Slainte!