Yesterday I reviewed two Glendronach expressions finished in Tawny Port cask. How about we check their cousin? Glendronach is part of the BenRiach distillery group and BenRiach have a Tawny Port Finish too. I wonder where Glendronach got that idea from 😉

The Tawny Port Finish expression in BenRiach range is a 15 yo one and they previously had a peated 12yo Tawny Port. Since the latter is peated, I’ll review it another time and we’ll focus on the 15yo here.

The BenRiach 15yo Tawny Port was matured in ex-bourbon barrels and then is finished in casks from the Douro region of Portugal (that previously used to mature Tawny Port). Let’s check how the BenRiach 15yo holds his ground against the Glendronach siblings.

BenRiach 15 Year Old Tawny Port Finish (46%, £39 / €44)

Nose: Sweet raspberries, almonds, cream brulee. Very rich but gives some whiffs of dryness. Give some more time in glass it becomes sweeter.

Palate: Sour and sweet berries, like a mix of ripe and unripe berries, nutmeg and spicey with pepper and cinnamon

Finish: Medium length with more sour berries, nutmeg, peppery at the back of the mouth and a touch of cinnamon

Thoughts: It’s lighter and fresher than the Glendronach whiskies, but the Port finish is still noticeable with dark and sweet flavours, creating  a rocking whisky for a very good price. Recommended.

(Tasted in the Sep 2014 MMI club meeting)