Whisky Review/Tasting: Benriach 20 Years

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Benriach Distillery, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation: Matured in ex-bourbon or hogsheads, with a notable shift to darker, possibly sherry cask maturation for this edition.
Age Statement: 20 years.
ABV: 43%, which is lower than the typical 46% ABV for Benriach bottlings post-takeover.
Color: Mid amber with hints of gold.
Clarity and Bottle Design: The whisky is uncolored and not officially chill-filtered, suggesting a natural presentation. The bottle design specifics were not discussed, but the focus on natural color indicates a preference for traditional presentation.

Balance of Flavors: Well-balanced with wood overtones complementing the primary flavors.
Unique Characteristics: Notable for its rich honey profile at the peak of its ripeness, without the need for dilution despite its 43% ABV.
Comparison: The nuttiness is specifically compared to the aroma from a fresh, drained sherry cask, indicating a sherry influence in its maturation.
Flavor Notes: Rounded, medium to full-bodied with rich honey, nuttiness (hazelnut, walnut), dark fruitiness, light spiciness, and oaky overtones. The aftertaste is described as mouth-watering, middle-long to long, without any bitterness.

Anecdotes: Horst Luening shared a personal story from the Keep of the Quaich meeting in April 2016, where he learned about the sale of Benriach Distillery to Brown-Forman.
Trivia: The transition of ownership from a South African company (Intratrading) to Brown-Forman, which also produces Jack Daniel's and Woodford Reserve.

Historical Context: The sale of Benriach and its sister distilleries (Glendronach and Glenglassaugh) to Brown-Forman marks a significant event in the whisky industry, potentially influencing the future availability and character of Benriach whiskies.

Opinions: Luening praises the whisky for its complexity, smoothness, and absence of bitterness, highlighting its quality and potential for price appreciation.
Quotes: "Wonderful aroma. Full, silky, smooth. The honey is there. Nuttiness light spiciness the oaky overtones yeah they're mouth-watering and no bitterness a wonderful aftertaste."

Benriach 20 Years is a single malt Scotch whisky with a 43% ABV, matured in ex-bourbon or hogsheads and possibly sherry casks.
It features a well-balanced flavor profile with rich honey, nuttiness, dark fruitiness, and oaky overtones.
The whisky's story includes a significant ownership change, with Brown-Forman acquiring Benriach.
Cultural significance revolves around the impact of ownership changes on the distillery's future releases.
Expert opinions commend the whisky's complexity, smoothness, and potential for appreciation in value.

For Whisky Connoisseurs: The complexity and unique flavor profile, especially the sherry cask influence, make this a must-try.
For Collectors: Given the potential for price appreciation and the story behind its production and ownership change, this bottle is a worthy addition to any collection.
For New Whisky Enthusiasts: The smoothness and absence of bitterness, despite the lower ABV, make it an accessible choice for those looking to explore aged whiskies.