Brave New Spirits - Cask Masters - Golden Proof - Benrinnes 13 - 51.9%
From the Brave New Spirits website
A collection of well-balanced single cask whiskies, selected for their depth and character. Carefully bottled at an ideal strength of around 50%, they offer a perfect balance of quality and value, enhancing accessibility without sacrificing flavour. First-fill cask maturation adds richness and complexity, making each whisky both rewarding and refined.
A Benrinnes 13 year old Speyside Single Malt, matured in a 1st fill Oloroso Sherry Hogshead and bottled at 51.9%.
Appearance: Deep amber gold in colour, forms a thin line which falls slowly as thick, oily legs
Nose: Mocha, stewed orchard fruit, California raisins and a hint of black pepper
Palate: Soft, slightly oily mouthfeel. Cappuccino coffee, malted milk, soft brown sugar, chocolate enrobed orange peel, rich dried fruit, toasted almonds, black pepper and mildly astringent charred oak. A little water brings out more coffee but flattens much of the other notes.
Finish: Soft brown sugar, milky coffee, Ovaltine, cracked black pepper
Overall: Rich, indulgent and complex with a lingering finish. The alcohol is well integrated, despite the abv this is so easy to drink neat, to the point of being dangerously easy. Water takes away far more than it brings to the party, this is a whisky that deserves to be enjoyed as the bottler intended.
This is easily one of the best Benrinnes I’ve tried, and it’s a real testament to the benefits that independent bottlers such as Brave New Spirits bring to the whisky market.
Priced at just under £65, well worth seeking out.
Transparency: Received free of charge for independent review, all opinions are my own and completely impartial.
