BenRiach 22 Year Old 1989 Virgin American Oak Finish

Today I am putting two similar BenRiach together, both with a Virgin American Oak finish, meaning they were first matured on ex-bourbon casks and then re-casked into new wood from the States. Let us start with this 22 Year Old from 1989 and put it head-to-head to a 32 Year Old from 1978.

Ouch, one needs to approach this nose with respect. The first whiff was pretty alcoholic. But then I get the warming tones of vanilla, banana, baked apples on cinnamon, mild spices and a handful of roasted nuts. Marzipan. So it is almonds that I am smelling. Some wild flowers, caramel, honey and heather. Complex and wonderful. But do yourself a favor and leave it to breath for 15 minutes. You can thank me later. A deep and rich coffee licqueur are yours to cherish.

The attack is warming and pretty spicy. White pepper, ginger and cinnamon. But immediately a wonderful fruitiness, almost tropical, explodes in your mouth. Melon, mango and banana in the lead. A bit creamy with a perfect balance. I do not even think about adding water to this one.

The finish is rather short and drying, but does leave you with a big smile on your face.

This is top shelf stuff. Hard to find, though. Around 100 EUR.

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