BenRiach 1985 21 YO Richly Peated Oloroso Sherry

BenRiach 1985 21 YO Richly Peated Oloroso Sherry Butt Cask #3766, 54,5 %

I am writing this on Wednesday afternoon, sitting in my hotel room in the Norwegian mountains. There's a short break in the agenda for a job kick-off thingy. Lots of snow and cold, and things a lot less pleasant than a proper dram. The schedule has been somewhat busy the last few weeks, so I have not managed to write up and schedule reviews the way I normally do. This all means I have to improvise a bit. Luckily I am always somewhat prepared. In the 'cloud' I have stored quite a few 'almost ready' tasting notes, like for this lovely old BenRiach.

The BenRiach 1985 21 YO Richly Peated Oloroso Sherry was distilled in 1985 and bottled in August 2008. It was released as part of Batch 4 of single cask releases. It was matured in an Oloroso sherry butt (cask #3766), and the total outturn was 661 bottles.

You might actually still find a few bottles online, at around € 100.

Nose (23/25): Mild sherry notes, and mild peat. It is quite refined actually. The sweetness, the dark fruits and the peat are all very well integrated. Pieces of a puzzle fitting perfectly together, and fully assembled they present a lovely, aromatic canvas with a picturesque landscape with lots of carefully crafted detail. More peaty after a while, with added apples.

Taste (22/25): Richly peated, indeed! Warm ashes, dry smoke, chewy, sugary, peppery.

Finish (22/25): Transforms from being somewhat dry and neutral to being more fresh and fruity. There is a nice base of peat all the way through to the end. A bit herbal right at the finish line.

Balance (23/25): A lovely dram. 'nuff said!

Score (90/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas