BenRiach 1998 Single Cask 18-Year Tawny Port Finish
54.2% ABV - Speyside, Scotland
Nose: Wow, dark fruit and jammy notes right away. Wafts of dessert wine spices. Fresh plum and a hint of orange citrus.
Taste: Spicy, tangy fruits. Plum spice. Fresh orchard fruits, and leading into the finish with dry flowers.
Finish: Dried fruit and oak, with lasting spices.
I had to do a double take on the bottling date for this whisky because it is bottled in late 2016 and I purchased it in early 2023… that means it had sat on the shelf for just over 6 years! I suppose that isn’t particularly unusual, as this is about $350 Canadian dollars. It isn’t exactly an impulse buy price. Regardless, in the world of whisky, single casks tend to sell out more quickly. (But, would I buy another given the opportunity? I’m not sure.)
Interestingly, there are no details for the length of finish in the Tawny Port Pipe, nor indication of what barrel type it had spent the majority of its 18-Year maturation in. The good news is: who cares? This whisky is fantastic—it’s a spicy, sherry port bomb.
Details: Cask Type: Tawny Port Pipe. Cask No. 10300. Distilled 11/02/1998. Bottled August 2016. Bottle Number 417 of 597.
Tasted 10 February 2024. (Posted 10 February 2024.)
95/100
Detailed Rating Information...
90+: Fantastic whisky; highly recommended.
My favourite whiskies – I might have more than one bottle if the price is right and the supply is limited! The higher values in this range will reflect a stronger balance and consistency between components.
85-89: Great whisky; recommended.
Whiskies that tick the flavour boxes and you'll likely hear about these from me. An easy decision to order at a bar/restaurant and one to consider buying a bottle of.
80-84: Very good whisky; recommended, but still consider trying before you buy.
Most of these whiskies I was really happy to have the opportunity to taste, but, apart from a dram here and there, I don’t think I would buy a bottle.
75-79: Good whisky; consider trying before you buy.
These are whiskies that I did enjoy drinking, but likely would reach for another bottle or select something different to order.
65-74: Average; consider trying before you buy, but not recommended.
There is nothing that stood out about this whisky and I might be inclined to mix it with soda or in a cocktail, instead of trying to enjoy its own flavours.
50-64: Bad; not recommended.
I didn’t like this and would sooner pass on another opportunity and order a beer instead than have it again… but never say never.
