There is a 15yo OB currently on the market, but that is the only standard whisky from the distillery which has a capacity of 1.6m liters. There are quite some older, like 30-40yos sherried Benrinnes' around, but I don't think those casks portrays the core spirit of Benrinnes. So, as in most of these sessions there will be a majority of bottlings that were readily available at its time, and I think, shows the more average produce of this distillery. It is a contributor to, among others, Johnnie Walker and Justerini & Brooks.
Benrinnes 14yo 1968-1982 40% Gordon & Macphail Connoisseurs Choice
A whisky filled with E150 and a small evaporation, but not more than that it shouldn't harm the content. The nose is burnt and phenolic, something dry and sherried about this. I think I can already determine that it's gonna need some water. But at this strength I have to try it neat first. Interestingly enough it's a rather juicy, fruity, citric and sweet whisky, sort of red berries, oranges and coca-cola mixture. Pleasant, I don't think water is needed, but for personal research purposes I will add some anyway. Let's just add that its a mouth-filling dram for just 40%abv and at such a young age. When diluted, it gets more bitter and floral, not to my liking. Much better neat.
This one shows how a bad nose doesn't necessarily mean a bad palate: 7
Benrinnes 17yo 1978-1995 40% Gordon & Macphail Centenary Reserve
Celebrating 100 years as a distillery, or 100 years after opening the new Benrinnes Distillery, remember, the first Benrinnes Distillery was razed by a flood or something of that sort. The nose is light and peppery, cream cheese, smoked ham, very gentle and pleasant, yet rustic, on the nose. The taste has some vanilla, marshmallows, cloudberry jam, strawberries, follows the nice nose with even more pleasing treats. I'm finding it hard to criticize such a fine whisky, tuned to perfection it seems. It's just one of those whiskies that whenever offered you just say, one more can't hurt! Bu the finish, it is quite short, sort of a sweet aperitif malt, but in that sense, it's quite excellent.
Mouthwatering, the perfect starter whisky: 7
Benrinnes 23yo 46% Cadenhead's
Probably a bottling from late 70's or early 80's. Turns cloudy once it hits the glass. Golden color, again I think there's been some E150 involved. The nose is more assertive, spicy and peppery, burnt rubber, paint and fresh herbs like basel, cinnamon (I know its a spice) and turmeric. Give it time and it'll turn brilliant, it just needs a few more minutes than your average dram. The taste is light, cinnamon again, honey, beetroot juice, carrot juice, wheat beer, fresh parsley, another one that is perfectly rounded and mild, and ever so easily sip-able. My biggest problem with dividing the first three whiskies in this session is that there's hardly anything, if anything at all, to criticize.
Again, not challenging in any way, but just as enjoyable as it gets: 7
Benrinnes 21yo 1988-2009 46.3% Master of Malt cask#888
This one is from a bourbon hogshead and has the color of white wine, perhaps this can be a different twist on this otherwise so excellent spirit (it seems). And considering this is a cask strength, it seems this might not be the tightest cask around. It smells more withdrawn, some peppery notes, swiss cheese, sawdust, burnt oak, not very interesting. The taste is sweet, all on marzipan and vanilla, again a light and almost liqueur-like whisky, except a bitter and disturbing finish on some unripe blackberries.
A little less interesting, with a finish that pulls it down below five: 4
Benrinnes 26yo 1984-2010 51% Bladnoch Distillery Forum cask#2237
Again pale white wine color, This is more expressive, more robust, some coal and oak on the nose, not refined like the prior ones, more an old style whisky that plays on some rustic charm, but it's kind of a one string band. The taste is again oaky, and burnt. Alongside some cointreau, perfume, and some other nauseatingly sweet and citric notes. It's pretty much what I dreaded when nosing it. It seems that Benrinnes isn't capable of saving a less than splendid palate with a good finish, as it's finish in this session has shown to be in the likes of short-to-non-excistent.
Far too one-dimensional, and a bit boring, but perfectly sip-able though: 4
Next tasting: Off the Beaten Path#6
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