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Benrinnes 1996, 18 years Carn Mor Strictly Limited

(S)Alladin Sane Part I

2 286

@cricklewoodReview by @cricklewood

14th Mar 2021

0

Benrinnes 1996, 18 years Carn Mor Strictly Limited
  • Nose
    22
  • Taste
    23
  • Finish
    21
  • Balance
    20
  • Overall
    86

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Distribution of ratings for this: brand user

Another in Diageo's stable of ugly stepchildren distilleries, with the likes of Dailuaine, Blair Athol, Teaninich and up to recently Mortlach which got to finally graduate from the class.

Of note is the use of house malted barley from a Saladin box installed from 1964 to 1984 at which point malt was brought in rather than handled on site. A kind of strange partial triple distillation (a la Mortlach/Springbank) from 1974-2007 and finally worm tub condensers which are still in use to this day. This meant the whisky made at Benrinnes was of the kind of heavy variety favoured by other distilleries like Cragganmore & Mortlach, many of these destined to be blended in Johnnie Walker.

I'll be comparing 2 examples distilled 22 years apart as a pretty interesting exercise.

This Benrinnes is from Carn Mor's Strictly Limited line, it's distilled 1996 bottled 2015 it's a blend of two bourbon barrels, proofed down to 46% ABV and outturn of 423 bottles. So outside of the floor malting era but well within the partial triple distilled one.

Nose: Really fragrant, apples, muskmelon and other overripe fruits. underneath that red licorice, a little sunflower oil, a touch of confectionary notes, fresh oak, not dominant but present, there's a nervousness to it, really kind of big and bright.

Palate: Sweet, sharp, green tea, honey and cashews, the tiniest pinch of curry powder. There's definitely a slightly feinty side to this, not bad or out of place, it brings a little grunge to the proceedings.

Finish: Mineral, licorice root, cloves and berry candy. Medium-short finish, lingers on drying oak, fruit & a touch of cardboard.

Notes: Surprisingly spritely and bold for 18years and 46%, the distillate is still quite chatty but it's not unpleasant since there's a good amount of cask and ripe fruit to counter it. There's tension in this whisky and I really enjoy that it might not be my favorite but it's really grown on me with time.

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2 comments

@BlueNote
BlueNote commented

@cricklewood Nice review. I have a Cadenhead 14 year old Benrinnes at 55.4%. It's an absolute stunner IMHO. Based on your review I would certainly grab the Carn Mor version given a chance and a not too crazy price.

3 years ago 1Who liked this?

@cricklewood
cricklewood commented

@BlueNote after having tried a couple of examples of Benrinnes it's definitely on the lookout for more. This bottle was a gift from a friend in Alberta, It's likely one might be able still find it on the shelves knowing that provinces reputation for dusty hunting and that Benrinnes doesn't have the draw of Mortlach

3 years ago 1Who liked this?