Benrinnes 21 Year Old Special Releases Grand Crescendo 2024 55.4% 70cl
A sumptuously elegant Benrinnes release, this expression has been aged for over two decades resulting in a dram of pure opulence. It started life maturing for eight years in refill casks, ahead of a second 13-year spell in wine-seasoned American oak, European oak and rejuvenated casks with charred ends. Exactingly balanced, this single malt pairs orchard fruit vibrancy with the mellowness that can only come from a generous maturation length.
Official tasting notes:
Nose: Mild in feel at first. Then, rich and full, with fruity aromas in the foreground suggesting baked apple, pear, and peach. They are soon joined by a rich caramel note, calling to mind sweet Scottish toffee. All these aromas are mellow, rounded and appetising. A dash of water introduces a suggestion of balsawood.
Palate: Firm and full-bodied, with a rich texture. Sweet and richly fruity from the off, the powerful, fresh taste soon becomes deliciously sweet-savoury, with a lick of salt amid spicy intensity. A dash of water softens this without losing the spiciness.
Finish: Quite long, finishing smoothly dry and lightly spicy, and lightly mouth-cooling. Similar with water.