Benrinnes 15 Years 2008/2023 - Malts of Scotland
The original bottlings from the Benrinnes distillery can be counted on one hand - there is exactly one and it appears in the Flora & Fauna series. If you still want to enjoy single malts from the distillery, you have to look around at independent bottlers such as Malts of Scotland.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Nosing the Benrinnes 15 Years is an exciting journey through the sherry hogshead. The maltiness and almost extreme cereal notes form the basis, while fruity nuances of blackberry, redcurrant, cranberry and damson unfold. A hint of dark chocolate and subtle roasted flavours round things off.
Palate
The single malt with malt from Roseisle Maltings presents a strong spiciness and earthy depth on the palate. Notes of tobacco and sweet plums mingle with morello cherries and a kick of colourful pepper. The molasses, reminiscent of honey BBQ, lends the flavour a sweet intensity. We can't help but think a little of an old-man's room - the Speysider has a slight leathery, mouldy quality to it.
Finish
The finish of this single malt is tinglingly spicy, short to medium in length and characterised by intense oak. Leathery nuances combine with a hint of chilli chocolate and leave a lasting, multi-faceted impression.
Thoughts
Marcel 84/100
This Benrinnes 15 Years shows just how exciting a sherry cask can be – with bold blackberry and tobacco notes that really make you want to take another sip. A true character whisky that, with its sweet spice and a hint of leather, also reveals a few rough edges. For anyone looking to enjoy something off the beaten path, this is an absolute recommendation.
Sascha 85/100
The Benrinnes 15 Years impresses with its balanced structure between intense sherry cask maturation and complex maltiness. The combination of fruity berry aromas, spicy tobacco notes, and a lasting oak tannin presence creates a harmonious and multifaceted flavor profile. Despite the powerful aromas, the malt remains well balanced, though it shows slight rustic nuances on the finish.
Value for Money: Good
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89/100Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Benrinnes 15 Years 2008/2023 from Malts of Scotland especially appealing to fans of sherry cask aromas?
The Benrinnes 15 Years was matured in a sherry hogshead, which imparts pronounced fruity notes of blackberry, blackcurrant, and plum, along with subtle roasted aromas and a dark chocolate note. This combination makes it particularly interesting for fans of sherry cask-influenced whiskies.
How does the malt from Roseisle Maltings influence the flavor of this Benrinnes single malt?
The malt from Roseisle Maltings contributes a robust spiciness and earthy depth that blends with notes of tobacco, plum, and pepper. It provides a complex structure that strongly shapes the character of the whisky.
What makes the Malts of Scotland bottling interesting for Benrinnes fans compared to the official Flora & Fauna edition?
Since Benrinnes officially only has one bottling in the Flora & Fauna series, independent bottlers like Malts of Scotland offer the opportunity to explore different cask maturations and vintages. This provides access to more diverse flavor profiles and limited editions.