Benriach 35yo

[sorren]

This 35yo Benriach was released back in 2014 in order to replace the 30 yo expression, it is made up off whisky from the 70’s when the distillery was still owned by Glenlivet. The distillery was built back in 1898 by John Duff, and only produced spirit for 2 years before shutting doors for 65 years. During this period though sister distillery Longmorn used the floor maltings which did remain in operation thus resulting in the buildings not getting demolished like many others.. Today the distillery has enjoyed a resurgence and has just had a takeover and is now owned by Brown -Forman, who also bought sister distilleries Glendronach and Glenglassaugh.
This 35yo is bottled at 42.5%abv, has natural colour and is NCF..
Nose.. Quite elegant at first, lots of dark fruits, dates, figs and a rich dark molasses notes mingle with candied orange and a hint of peach. Dark chocolate mixes with spices and subtle oak notes.

Palate.. Fruity at first with spices soon taking over and those dark fruit notes elegantly pushing in to get noticed, dark toffee and burnt sugar brings a sweetness that balances this mouthfeel perfectly.

Finish.. Not overly long but extremely pleasurable..

Thoughts.. This is a very elegant whisky, full of darkness and complex flavours. There has been some very good sherry casks used in this. The nose leads into the palate perfectly and just makes you impatient to taste.. One sip and your hooked, those dark fruits and sweet spices make your mouth water.. A real belter from Benriach..

[Fergie]

Would you say it is worth the £450 price tag

[sorren]

It's hard to say these days.. £450 is a lot of money but it is fast becoming typical for this kind of age.. A 35 yo Benriach is quite rare so in that sense it's about the price.. Would be happier at £380 mark but I'd buy another if I had the money .. Compare balvenie 25 single barrel £410.. Balvenie 30 £680.. Glenfiddich 30 £400..

[Alexppp]

The price tag is a bit strange though, if we consider that TWE have a single cask 35 y/o Benriach for about £100 less.

[Quaich1]

Sorren, it's always pleasurable to try an older whisky expression such as this. This is certainly one I would like to try at some point at a tasting.
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"Always carry a large flagon of whisky in case of snakebite and furthermore always carry a small snake."
W.C. Fields (1880-1946)