The oldest Particular Launch 2024 is that this Benrinnes 21 Yr Outdated. Typically priced over € 400, it is usually the costliest expression this yr.
This Benrinnes aged in refill casks for 8 years, earlier than a second maturation of 13 years in American and European oak wine casks and rejuvenated casks with charred ends. Fairly a posh recipe.
Benrinnes 21 yo ‘Grand Crescendo’ (55,4%, OB Particular Releases 2024, wine casks + rejuvenated casks)
Nostril: pretty wealthy, the wine is simple to note. It provides us strawberries and redcurrants, with darker hints of dried plums and raisins. Wine soaked pears. Then just a little moss, together with black pepper and ginger, candied cherries and tobacco leaves. Mint and toffee notes. A barely unusual woody observe too, like balsawood.
Mouth: initially candy and caramelly, with baked apples, blackberries, melons and molasses. Then the charred layer comes out, with loads of oak spice. Pepper, chilli warmth, ginger and a lightweight winey astringency. Cinnamon, grape pips and cocoa in direction of the tip. Some hazelnut, and even a salty edge.
End: medium to lengthy. Nonetheless a winey edge, with pepper, cinnamon and a lightweight sourness.
The everyday robustness of the spirit comes out on prime, together with loads of sturdy spices. All this depth serves as a counterweight for the wine, I’d say, making this Benrinnes a pleasant malt, albeit critically overpriced. Obtainable from The Whisky Alternate, Royal Mile Whiskies and plenty of others.
