Tasting Notes:
Nose:
A seductive interplay of classic peat smoke and warm sherry tones enchants the senses. The bouquet opens with the intoxicating scent of red forest fruits, followed by an elegant dance of floral notes where fragrant heather mingles with ripe oranges, caramel, and the deep aromas of black smoked tea.
Palate:
A silky and creamy texture envelops the taste buds, while the peat smoke and the aforementioned black smoked tea maintain an unmistakable presence. The interplay is enriched by the sweet tones of oranges and a subtle, playful hint of jalapeño pepper blending in the background with earthy walnut notes.
Finish:
The finish is like a delightful licorice, a tribute to the Dutch love for sweet wood. Buttery, caramel-like tones blend with the sweetness of ripe yellow fruit, creating a lush and satisfying conclusion. Truly delightful.
Balance & Complexity:
This dram is a masterpiece of balance between nose and palate, without any deviation. Despite the full cask strength, the whisky embraces you with gentleness and subtlety. The complexity reveals a playful harmony of orange and black smoked tea. The unexpected treat of licorice in the finish makes this dram dangerously delicious.
BOW (90)
BenRiach 26 Years Old: The Duchess Cask 7355
Dutch premium independent bottler, The Duchess, proudly presents the BenRiach 26 Years Old, a distinguished member of the Game & Wildlife Series. Distilled on January 20, 1997, and bottled in November 2023, this exceptional whisky has matured in Cask 7355, culminating in a unique expression with a robust 57.1% alcohol content. Limited to just 200 bottles, this release is a testament to The Duchess's commitment to quality and the artistry of premium independent bottling.
Tasting Notes:
Nose:
Immerse yourself in a captivating interplay of classic peat smoke and warm sherry tones that weave a spellbinding experience for the senses. The initial burst reveals the intoxicating fragrance of red forest fruits, leading into an elegant dance of floral notes. Here, fragrant heather intertwines with ripe oranges, caramel, and the deep, rich aromas of black smoked tea.
Palate:
A luxurious, silky texture envelops the taste buds, allowing the peat smoke and the lingering black smoked tea notes to assert their distinct presence. The interplay is further enriched by the sweet tones of oranges and a subtle, playful hint of jalapeño pepper. These flavors seamlessly blend with earthy walnut notes, creating a symphony of taste on the palate.
Finish:
The grand finale is reminiscent of delightful licorice, paying homage to the Dutch affection for sweet wood. Butter-infused, caramel-like tones harmonize with the sweetness of ripe yellow fruit, culminating in a lush and deeply satisfying conclusion. The finish is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship that defines this truly delightful whisky.
Balance & Complexity:
This dram stands as a masterpiece of balance, seamlessly integrating the nose and palate without deviation. Despite its full cask strength, the whisky embraces the imbiber with a gentle and subtle allure. The complexity of this expression unfolds to reveal a playful harmony between the zest of orange and the depth of black smoked tea. The unexpected touch of licorice in the finish adds a layer of danger to the deliciousness of this remarkable whisky.
In conclusion, The Duchess Cask 7355 from BenRiach's 26 Years Old offering is a rare gem within the Game & Wildlife Series. Crafted with precision and care, this expression promises a sensory journey marked by elegance, complexity, and a touch of Dutch indulgence. Limited to only 200 fortunate enthusiasts, this whisky invites you to savor the richness of its character and celebrate the artistry of The Duchess.
Malt Fascination (89)
This one isn’t even out yet! Supposedly, if things to right, it will be in three weeks though!
A 26 year old BenRiach is always something interesting, but the PX finish makes it a bit of an oddball. Generally, whiskies of this age aren’t finished anymore, but in this case they decided to do so. It makes me wonder what the reasoning behind it is!
Anyway, a nice badger on the label, of course done by Hans Dillesse, bottled at 100 proof (the Imperial one) which also is interesting. A very high ABV for the age, I think.
Sniff:
Barley and chocolate, some straw and a gentle note of oak behind it all. Slightly honeyed and soft, but with a charcoal like tinge too. There’s definitely some sherry in this one, but it’s not overpowering or strong. It’s married well with the spirit.
Sip:
The palate, even though it’s a 100 proof dram, is gentle. There’s a little bit of bite of course, but surprisingly little. There’s oak, straw, barley and a bitter note of fruit stones like dates and cherries.
Swallow:
The finish shows the sherry a little bit more with notes of dried fruits, and that hint of bitterness accompanies the fruity sweetness. Some barley and honey too.
I have to admit I was a bit skeptical when I read the label of my sample and it stated that it was a PX finish. My skepticism was unwarranted though, because this is a very lovely dram. It’s well balanced, with lots of nice flavors and a bitter note for depth and morishness. I’m very glad the sweetness has been kept in check!
