Whisky Focus - BenRiach Releases 2010 Wood Finishes

The brand new bottlings include:

• The BenRiach 16YO Claret Finish – 46%
   
• The BenRiach 17YO Rioja Finish - 46%
   
• The BenRiach 17YO Burgundy Finish – 46%

Matured in the traditional style in American bourbon barrels, these whiskies have then been "finished" in either Rioja, Claret or Burgundy wine barrels. During this additional period of maturation, the whisky derives a number of additional flavours and aromas specific to the ‘finishing’ cask.

Sales director Alistair Walker said: “BenRiach operates an extensive finishing programme, and a five-minute stroll around the distillery’s Warehouse 13 will testify to that! The current BenRiach range already includes expressions finished in Pedro Ximinez Sherry, Tawny Port, Madeira, Dark Rum, Sauternes, Gaja Barolo and Moscatel.

"BenRiach has always been an experimental distillery, even under previous owners, and we have continued that tradition. We try and keep the range fresh and interesting by releasing new finishes and single casks each year, but in very limited quantities."

The three new BenRiach finishes will be available in over twenty export markets, and in the UK through specialist, independent whisky retailers.

The tasting notes spell out what makes these single malts so special.

BenRiach 16 Year Old Claret Finish
Nose – clean and fruity. Stewed plums and damsons with sweet oak nuances. Embracing but with real finesse.
Colour – bright sparkling orange gold.
Taste – Spiced fruit scones, enrobed in a fig and date syrup. Fairly light acidity, yet with lovely mouth-cleansing fruits. A whisky with the flavours standing in perfect equilibrium.
RRP £39.99

BenRiach 17 Year Old Rioja Finish
Nose - dry and robust with wild flower characteristics. Sweet oak follows with elegant vanilla bean extract and ripe fermented grape juice.
Colour – Full gold with distinctive amber traces.
Palate - subtle floral elements including, violets, rosehip and dandelion. Creamy oak notes, married with vanilla and nutmeg round off the mix partnered with ripe peaches and apricots.
RRP £44.99

BenRiach 17 Year Old Burgundy Finish
Nose – summer red berries, including fermented strawberries and raspberries. This is complemented by bitter cocoa bean nibs and freshly-cut wild flowers.
Colour – Full gold with a subtle tawny hue.
Taste – Vanilla crème-brulée with a distinct butterscotch component. Redcurrant jelly and quince flavours interact with toasted oak to bring excellent clarity and weight. A fruit and oak marriage of great elegance.
£44.99
 

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