Benrinnes 1985 23yo

Ruben — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 23:00:39 +0000

Benrinnes is known to use worm tubs instead of the more modern condensers to cool the spirit vapours and it’s using that as an argument for unique quality. At this moment, only 13 distilleries maintain this tradition.

With this 23 years old Benrinnes 1985 we conclude our series of the Diageo Special Releases for 2009. It was distilled in 1985 and matured in sherry casks.

Benrinnes 23 yo 1985
(58,8%, OB 2009, 6000 btl.)

Nose: what seems to start a bit meaty / sulphury actually stays clear of really bad aromas, with just some notes of gunpowder and a case of matchsticks. I don’t like sulphur but this is okay, especially since there are lots of nutty aromas (Nutella) and nice fruits (berries, prunes, cherries) to counterbalance it. Surprisingly sweet (demerara sugar). Hints of heather. Mouth: hazelnuts again. Raisins with a chocolate coating. A big spicy kick as well. Something slightly metallic. Beefy notes. Getting rubbery towards the end. Finish: spicy (nutmeg) with dry oak and hints of leather and tires.

Not exactly a clean sherry monster but not bad either. I know many fans will love this for its interesting notes of matches. Still too much “on the edge” for me, and I’m not convinced to pay € 140.

Score: 80/100

Benrinnes 1988 (Malts of Scotland)

Ruben — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 22:00:39 +0000

Like Springbank, Benrinnes produces a 2,5 times distilled malt whisky (with 2x 3 stills). Most of it is used for blends like J&B and Johnnie Walker. Both official bottlings and independent releases are rare.

This Benrinnes 1988 was matured in a bourbon hogshead for 21 years.

Benrinnes 21yo 1988 (46,3%, Malts of Scotland 2009, cask #888, 175 btl.)

Nose: sugared cereals (Frosties) and green apples. Temporary hints of new-make (artificial banana) although that’s quite odd for a 21 year-old… Hints of wet hay. Getting slightly fruitier over time (oranges, pears). Milk chocolate. Mouth: more depth now. The sweet fruits are still there, the peat is bigger and rounded off with some smoke. Sweet almonds. Quite spicy (mostly white pepper). Hints of ginger and tonic. Finish: drier, still hints of smoke and peat. Some bitter cloves.

This Benrinnes is an unusual malt and I find it difficult to pin down. It shares some characteristics with Lowlands whisky and there are hardly any flavours that clearly pop out of the malty centre. Not really my type of whisky but interesting to try. Around € 95.

Score: 80/100

WhiskyNotes » Benrinnes

Benrinnes 1985 23yo

Benrinnes 23 yo 1985 (58,8%, OB 2009, 6000 btl.)

Benrinnes 1988 (Malts of Scotland)

Benrinnes 21yo 1988 (46,3%, Malts of Scotland 2009, cask #888, 175 btl.)

Benrinnes 23 yo 1985
(58,8%, OB 2009, 6000 btl.)