Benriach 1987 Connoisseurs Choice Gordon & Macphail

Birnie Moss Intensely Peated

The Birnie Moss is very important in terms of the history of BenRiach because it is the first to be wholly distilled and produced under the stewardship of the new owners (who took over in 2004) and Master Distiller Billy Walker (previous releases, such as my prior review Importanticus Fumosus, were distilled back when it was part of Seagram). And...

Score 86/100

Birnie Moss Intensely Peated

Nose: Oh my. This is almost a new make as far as the nose goes. if you have ever had a peated new make, this is it. Pears, apples, very fruity, a lot of peat, and so sweet. The color is almost clear too, with a wee yellowish hue. Palate: Sweet, fruit and new-make-ish. lots of smoke, some dough, and cereals. Schnapps like almost. Young, young...

Score 74/100

Benriach 17 Year Old Septendecim

Benriach Septendecim is 17 yo peated Scotch aged in Bourbon barrel. Of course it is non chill filtered and has no caramel in it. We are used to see Benriach with a Sherry, a Porto, a Sauterne or a Rum finish. When you encountered one that been aged only in Bourbon barrel you feel like you are tasting the real Benriach, something like the original....

Score 89/100

BenRiach Heart of Speyside

Since 2004, the BenRiach distillery is owed by a private consortium, that put down casks for maturation in 2004 (so the production was uninterrupted), but they plan to bottle that whisky no sooner than 2016. So everything you taste from this distillery now, was still produced by the previous owners. There are quite a few expressions, as can be...

Score 80/100