Any excuse, right?
Benriach 1969 (40%, Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice, b.early 1990s): nose: dust, as in most old bottlings. Underneath it, peach and pink grapefruit. Honeysuckle, acacia honey, wood shavings and wood varnish complete the picture. Were it a little less shy, this nose would be stellar. As it is, it is "only" magnificent. Mouth: despite the low ABV, it strikes a good balance of milky fruit juice and freshly-ground, black pepper. Grapefruit goodness (ie Acidity) whispers in the back as well, which gives this one unexpected depth and complexity. Finish: superb. Simply superb. Black pepper and red chilli (let us face it, though: it is nowhere near naga strength; probably a measly 5000 SHU, at best) support grapefruit rinds, with an additional touch of vanilla custard and peach juice, with floating peach stones (that will be a slight bitterness, then). Exquisite dram, really. 9/10
No comments:
Post a Comment