BenRiach 22 YO Moscatel Finish

BenRiach 22 YO Moscatel Finish, 46 %

The BenRiach 22 YO Moscatel Finish is a limited release that came on market late 2016. It is limited to 5927 bottles, and was bottled on 2016-08-29.

Here is what they say about their whisky on the BenRiach website:

“Moscatel is a sweet fortified wine, hailing from Portugal and Spain, which adds a buttery-soft, spicy and fruity dimension to the whisky. The result is a superlative malt in the classic BenRiach style. It is lusciously rich, velvety and full-flavoured, delivering superb dried fruit and honeyed sweetness, like a good apple crumble.”

The BenRiach 22 YO Moscatel Finish will be launched for sale in Norway on May 5, 2017, at a sales price of NOK 1990. You can pick up a bottle in the UK at around GBP 147.

Nose: Fruity with light notes of dessert wine. I do sense the influence of the Moscatel casks. Orchard fruits, grapes, vanilla, plums, raisins and rich chocolate. A hint of an alcohol bite...which is a bit surprising.

Taste: Medium body, with a smooth and buttery mouthfeel. Rich, dark chocolate with a plum marmalade filling. Vanilla and hints of nuts. White pepper and nutmeg.

Finish: Medium to long finish. Continues much as it started. Notes of soft, creamy caramel appear, which works well. Ice cream. With butter. Eh?

Comments: A very good, if a bit odd, dram.

Score (86/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas