Just In
It's been more than a year since we originally ordered this 1994 Bourbon barrel and received the wrong whisky, but the right one has finally arrived.
When we originally picked out this cask back in the Spring of 2013, we were incredibly excited about the wonderful balance of sweet, round, fruity Highland flavor, balanced by a moderate level of peat (think Talisker level smoke, not Islay). The result was something in between Talisker 18 and peated Glen Garioch: lovely layers of grains, a soft, supple mouthfeel, and a finish of campfire smoke with butterscotch on the backend. We couldn't wait to get this baby delivered. Then it showed up and there wasn't a smidge of peat to be found. It turns out Benriach had sent us the wrong cask (a delicious, light-bodied 19 year old that we kept nonetheless). We were fine with the one they sent as it was indeed tasty, but we still wanted that magical peated barrel, so we put in the order again; this time for Cask #7187. Over one year later, that whisky has finally shown up and it's still as fantastic as we remember. At 53%, the extra proof is enough to brighten all of the edges, but low enough as not to interrupt the amber waves of grain. It's a seamless whisky; one that floats over the palate in layers of stonefruit, sweet barley, and smoke, as each element undulates in and out of focus. There's a reason we keep going back to Benriach for their direct barrel program. Imagine if you could get cask strength Talisker 19, or Caol Ila 19, or unsherried Highland Park 19 year old whisky for $150. That's what this cask of Benriach 19 year old is offering you.
These babies just showed up, too. I haven't tasted them yet, and I don't know if I will before they sell, but I'm thinking they have to be wonderful. Actually, I think I tasted them at WhiskyFest last year, but who actually remembers anything they tasted at WhiskyFest? Sober people, that's who.
There's a 1983 expression as well, but one guy bought all six bottles in a matter of minutes. I've got more on order for tomorrow, so don't worry if you're looking for great whisky from the Reagan era.
-David Driscoll