Benrinnes 23 Year Old 1997 (Cask 9129184) The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

This Benrinnes is one of only 87 bottles available in the premiumised Octave range. Distilled back in 1997, and bottled 2021. Cask No: #9129184 Notes from Duncan Taylor Pre-Octave (ie before it was put into Octave cask): Colour - Young Sauternes. Nose - Grassy, green tea and jasmine flowers, apple peel, vanilla sponge cake, some punchy tropical notes and a touch of Muscovado sugar. Palate - Peppery lemon oil, pineapple jelly, cider apples, a little mineral with some camphor and candle wax. Finish - Long and slightly off-dry, fruit cordial and preserved lemon, white pepper spice, a little chalk and the grassiness of the nose returns. This release (after Octave): Colour - Full Gold. Nose - Dark and nutty, full of sherry, waxy orange peel, savoury and meaty, honey glazed barbecue, hint of mint chocolate. Palate - Big and beefy, chocolate sauce poured over fruit salad, patches of leather, some dry spiciness, mouth coating and very pleasant. Finish - The dry fruits and sherry persist, good length. Great balance between the sweetness and oak spice, complex and rewarding. Distilled at Benrinnes Whisky Distillery, bottled by Duncan Taylor.~ Master of Malt