Time really flies and its time to wrap up SGwhisky's first ever whisky of the month! During the past month, BenRiach has been highlighted as our whisky of the month and it was great to see people expressing interest in some of the interesting expressions that this distillery has to offer. In many ways, it is a truly progressive distillery that deserves immense praise.
To end of this month's segment, SGwhisky would like to highlight two special expressions from BenRiach, in hopes that we end the inaugural whisky of the month in style. So here's the final two expressions, the BenRiach Solstice and the BenRiach Authenticus 21YO.
Name: BenRiach Solstice
Distillery: BenRiach (Speyside)
Type: Single Malt Scotch
Age Statement: 15YO
Alc/Vol: 50%
The BenRiach Solstice was one of the two latest special releases from BenRiach that have recently hit the market, the other being the BenRiach Horizons. Whilst the Horizons is a Triple Distilled expression, emphasizing the smoothness and flavours, the Solstice is a real power house of flavour that shows some of the impressive experimentation that is ongoing at this distillery.
The Solstice is a combination of Heavily Peated and Port Finished experimentation, not unlike the Port Wood expressions they have released. This however, is supposed even more peated and aged in Tawny Port Pipes, before being bottled without filtration or colouring. It is also bottled at a whopping 50%, making it a much stronger dram.
Nose: Wine and peat mingle in an extremely balanced way. Notes of sweetened grapefruits, crushed grapes, and rose bring up the strong winey characteristics, with an alluring dash of peatiness as well. (22.5)
Taste: Sweet winey and fruity entry with notes of honey, rich berries that have been stewed. This is followed by a real spicy and peaty kick before both blend into a nice sweet smokiness with a hint of salted fish and capers! Nice and complex (23)
Finish: Very fruity with the wine lingering on with notes of lavender, rose, sweet pears and strawberries (21)
Overall: Maybe a tad too wine influenced, but to me this is almost like Beauty and the Beast dancing a Tango, with neither really stepping out of line. (23) 89.5/100
Found At: The Auld Alliance, Drinks Fellas
Name: BenRiach Authenticus 21YO
Distillery: BenRiach (Speyside)
Type: Single Malt Scotch
Age Statement: 21YO
Alc/Vol: 46%
The BenRiach Authenticus has always been one of the most well renowned expressions of BenRiach. Peated and matured for a long period of time, it is known for its rich flavours and the mellow smokiness.
Nose: Warm peat mingling with ginger and warm spices. Slightly fruity with some orange and malty sweetness (21)
Taste: Thick, oily and malty. The oak hits with a real warmth and the notes of ginger continue on the palate. The orange note seems to come out as well, but the oak really does dominate (20)
Finish: Very mouthwatering, with the notes of malt and fruity sweetness taking control. (21)
Overall: Nice but perhaps too much oak for it to be a real rounded malt (21) 83/100
Found at: Drinks Fellas
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