today I will have a closer look into this Whisky:
Benrinnes 1996 SV Cask Strength Collection 21yo Cask# 11724 + 11726
I got this sample from a bottle share in Germany.
What are my expectations? Well, considering the color, casks, age and ABV I expect this Whisky to be very complex. I expect the oak to be present but hopefully not too tart and bitter. I also expect it to be on the fruity side. I really looking forward to try this one. But first give it some time in the glass to breath. In this case considering the age I will let it breath for at least half an hour.
During that time I will have it covered. I use my tulip styled WhiskyYoda glass.
Let’s see if it can surprise me and that hopefully in a positive way 🙂
Appearance:
Color: clear Gold. Medium oily as the streaks on the glass flow down semi slow.
Nose: 89/100 points
Very fruity, floral start. The 51% ABV are very well integrated. Smells like a meadow full of flowers and herbs. Lots of honey with a hint of thyme. On the fruits side I get some oranges and apricots. But over all the floral and herbal notes stand out. Lovely nose. Reminds me of end of spring or an early young summer.
Taste: 90/100 points
sweet start which turns quickly very fruity with a slightly noticeable fruit sourness which btw harmonies very well. A lot of herbs come again and fill the mouth with tons of flavors. Here also the oak kicks in. but not too tart. A bit spicy with ginger and a tiny hint of nutmeg. To the end after a long time in the mouth it becomes very oily and the bitterness is more present, but definitely not unpleasant.
Finish: 90/100 points
wow, nice fruity sweet finish with a lot of herbs again. Fantastic finish. A bit caramel I notice this time and a lot of honey again. This time the honey notes are without that thyme flavor. the herbs longer very long inside the mouth.
Conclusion:
the force is strong with this one. Many of the aspects and flavors of this Whisky fulfilled my expectations to 100%. That is an absolutely lovely Whisky. The fruity and especially the herbal flavors are overwhelming. Those are so intense and make this Whisky in my eyes very special. Wish I could get my hands on a big bottle. Perfect summer Whisky imho.
Overall I give this Whisky: 90/100 WhiskyYoda points
here are some more detailed bottle information:
| Brand | Benrinnes | Cask/Batch# | 11724+11726 |
| Series | Cask Strength Collection | Vintage | 28.10.1996 |
| Region | Scotland / Speyside | Bottled | 01.08.2018 |
| Bottler | Signatory Vintage | Age | 21yo |
| Type | Single Malt | Non-Cillfiltered | yes |
| Casks | Hogsheads | Natural color | yes |
| ABV | 51% | Whiskybase ID: | 119998 |
