Benriach 16 years Sauternes Finish Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Benriach Distillery, located in the heartland of malt Scotch whisky.
Type: Finished Single Malt Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Initially matured for approximately 15.5 years in ex-bourbon casks that had been used multiple times, resulting in a weaker influence from the cask wood. The whisky was then finished in fresh Sauternes casks from the Bordeaux region of France, which previously held a very sweet white wine.
Age Statement: 16 years.
Color: Rich gold, natural coloring attributed to the Sauternes cask finishing.
Clarity: Not specifically mentioned, but the non-chill filtered process suggests a clear yet potentially more viscous appearance.
Bottle Design: The bottle and its packaging emphasize the Sauternes finish and the whisky's age statement. The design likely reflects the traditional style of Benriach with a focus on the unique finishing process.

Balance of Flavors: A rich and sweet profile with a balance between sweetness, fruitiness, and spiciness.
Unique Characteristics: The finishing in Sauternes casks imparts unique flavors of tropical fruits, melons, toffee, sultanas, butterscotch, and vanilla. The European oak wood contributes spiciness and a mouth-watering effect.
Comparison: While not directly compared to other whiskies, the unique Sauternes finish distinguishes it from other cask-finished whiskies like those finished in Madeira, Port, or Sherry casks.

Production Process: The detailed explanation of the Sauternes wine production and its influence on the finishing process of the whisky provides an engaging narrative about the craftsmanship behind this whisky.
Distillery Practices: Benriach's practice of using its own on-site floor maltings to produce part of the malt adds a layer of authenticity and tradition to the whisky's story.

Sauternes Casks: The use of Sauternes casks from the Bordeaux region of France highlights the cultural exchange between Scotch whisky and French winemaking traditions, showcasing the impact of geographical origin on flavor.

Horst Luening, the master taster, expresses a strong personal liking for the whisky, particularly noting the rich and sweet flavor profile influenced by the Sauternes casks. He emphasizes the uniqueness of the finishing process and its contribution to the whisky's character.

Benriach 16 years Sauternes Finish is a single malt Scotch whisky, initially matured in ex-bourbon casks and finished in Sauternes wine barrels.
The whisky features a rich gold color, with a flavor profile that includes sweet Sauternes notes, tropical fruits, melons, toffee, sultanas, butterscotch, and vanilla.
The Sauternes finish contributes unique sweetness and complexity, making it stand out among other cask-finished whiskies.
The production process and the use of Sauternes casks from France add cultural and geographical significance to the whisky.
Horst Luening's expert opinion highlights the whisky's appealing flavor profile and the craftsmanship behind its production.

Whisky Enthusiasts: Individuals with a keen interest in exploring unique cask finishes and the subtle influences of different maturation processes.
Sweet Profile Lovers: Those who prefer sweeter, fruitier whisky profiles, with an appreciation for complex flavor layers.
Collectors and Connoisseurs: Collectors looking for distinctive bottles with a story, and connoisseurs seeking to experience the nuanced impact of wine cask finishing on whisky.