BenRiach 1998 16 YO Triple Distilled / PX Finish

BenRiach 1998 16 YO Triple Distilled / PX Finish, 57,9 %

This release is from single cask Batch 11 from BenRiach Distillery. It was distilled in 1998 and bottled in 2014. It has been triple distilled, and finished in a PX Sherry Puncheon (cask #5171). The total outturn was 707 bottles.

You can still buy the BenRiach 1998 16 YO Triple Distilled / PX Finish in Norway at NOK 1417 (1954401).

Nose: Very clean, I would almost say pure. The PX sherry is not very evident right off, but notes of dried fruits do appear after a few minutes in the glass. Dates, figs, cinnamon, nutmeg, red apples and dark chocolate. It does remain very clean throughout the tasting.

Taste: Rich and creamy mouthfeel. There's a lot of spiced honey here. I also find oaky spices, and a slight bitter touch from the oak. The PX finish gives a rich and dark sweetness.

Finish: Long finish. Massively sweet and spicy. It is tongue-numbing - in a very good way. Wow, it really does pack a punch right to the end!

Comments: Very rich and sweet. A dreamy dessert whisky. The nose did have me slightly worried - as it was close to being too pure, but on the palate everything was made right - and then some!

Score (90/100)

Image from Abbey Whisky.

Sláinte! - Thomas