Whisky Review/Tasting: Benriach 15 years Pedro Ximenez Finish

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: The Benriach distillery, though not explicitly mentioned, is located in Scotland.
Type: Single malt Scotch whisky.
Distillation and Maturation Process: This whisky has been finished in Pedro Ximenez sherry wood, which is known for imparting rich, sweet, and fruity flavors to the whisky. It is naturally colored and non-chill filtered, preserving its authentic characteristics.
Age Statement: 15 years old, suggesting it was distilled around 1999 or 2000, based on the bottling dates mentioned (2014-2015).
Color and Bottle Design: The whisky is described as having a dark gold color with a hint of mahogany. The bottle design specifics are not detailed, but there is mention of a damaged tube and a leaking bottle that was repaired with tape.

Nose: Aromas of honey, sultanas, dark chocolate, and a significant presence of Pedro Ximenez sherry.
Taste: The palate is complex with flavors of cream, honey, papaya, rose hips, eucalyptus, dark chocolate, rich Pedro Ximenez sherry, and oak wood.
Aftertaste: Noted for a big aftertaste with a lot of oakiness and sherry influence.
Overall Balance: The whisky presents a full aromatic profile with a balance between sweet, fruity aromas and the deeper, richer tones of sherry and oak.

Distillery History: The Benriach distillery has experienced periods of closure and was referred to as "Mothbald" before being revitalized by investments from a South African company, Intertrading.
Anecdotes: The host shares a personal story of meeting Billy Walker, the master distiller of Benriach, and learning about the distillery's sale to new owners during a Keeper of the Quaich event in early 2016.

Pedro Ximenez Influence: The use of Pedro Ximenez sherry wood for finishing highlights the cultural exchange between Scotch whisky and Spanish sherry production, emphasizing the impact of sherry cask maturation on whisky flavor profiles.

"One of those whiskies I like most" - The host expresses a personal fondness for this particular expression of Benriach.
The host prefers Pedro Ximenez sherry finishes over Oloroso due to the sweeter, fruitier profile imparted by the residual sugar in Pedro Ximenez sherry.

15-year-old Benriach finished in Pedro Ximenez sherry wood.
Naturally colored and non-chill filtered.
Flavor profile includes honey, sultanas, dark chocolate, cream, papaya, rose hips, eucalyptus, and a rich sherry influence.
The whisky has a dark gold color with a hint of mahogany.
Personal anecdotes and historical insights into the Benriach distillery's revival.
The host shows a preference for Pedro Ximenez finishes for their sweet, fruity aromas.

For the Sweet Tooth: Individuals who enjoy sweet and richly flavored whiskies will likely appreciate the Pedro Ximenez sherry influence.
For the Scotch Enthusiast: Those with an interest in exploring the effects of different cask finishes on Scotch whisky.
For the Collector: Given the specific bottling and its backstory, collectors might find this expression particularly intriguing.
For the History Buff: Anyone interested in the revival stories of distilleries and the cultural significance of sherry cask maturation.