After the lovely Glendronach exclusive I’ve reviewed yesterday, comes the bottle from the “sister” distillery of BenRiach (they we released together), this one is 17 years old, a Tripe distilled whisky and was only finished in PX, rather than aged in it for the entire length of maturation. Actually I’ve bought a bottle if this one (even before I tasted it, it looked nice..) and I am very glad I did. I love it.
BenRiach 1998 17 Year Old PX Finish TWE Exclusive (Cask 7758) , 48.9% , £99
Nose: lovely sherry influence with a nutty edge , as well as wood spices such as cinnamon and orange peel, cardamom and mocha, almonds and marzipan. Getting fragrant and Perfumed with time, some sultana and balsamic but not a lot of PX influence. Which is nice, as you’re not masking the spirit, but enhancing it.
Palate: Sweet and spicy. With rich chocolate fondant , sultana and a touch of clove and cigar leaf , espresso and red fruit jam but not over sweet. Some white pepper and even candied ginger, ripe oranges and chocolate covered orange peel.
Finish: Dark chocolate raisin and mocha. Spices and cigar leaves.
Bottom line:
This is a delicious complex and lovely dram, the PX finish did enhance it, but is not overpowering, and what you get is a multi faceted Benriach with a lot to discover whenever you drink it. Highly recommended.
Still available at the TWE for £99.95, go get one if you’re a fan. I am.
Score: 90/100
Official sample provided by TWE.