I already tried the vast majority of the core range whiskies from Benriach, since they were rebranded in 2020. There was still a gap between Benriach 12 Years and Benriach 21 Years though. The Benriach 16 Year Old filled this up in 2022, after it went missing from the portfolio in 2016 due to stock shortages.
I always thought the Sixteen was largely overshadowed by the Benriach 20 Year Old, which was one of my favourite everyday malts fifteen years ago.
Benriach 16 yo (43%, OB +/- 2023, bourbon + sherry + virgin oak)
Nose: pretty classic, on orchard fruits, green apples and pears. Some honeyed breakfast cereals and hints of bread crust, as well as caramel notes and sweet cream. Then a light musty / leafy note, probably related to the sherry casks. Something of vegetal oil as well.
Mouth: quite a fruity core again, now showing a lightly tropical edge. Lemons and oranges, yellow apples, hints of golden raisins. Then the woody notes become stronger, with hints of herbal tea. Biscuity notes, as well as butterscotch and a touch of bitterness.
Finish: medium, with oak spice, more leafy notes, plain malt and raisin sweetness.
Still an enjoyable everyday dram, but nothing exciting either. Since the Original Ten, Twelve and Sixteen come from the same three cask types, I think they miss some separation. While it is one of the cheaper single malts in the 15-18 year category, the Sixteen could use a unique selling point to set it apart. And a higher ABV for that matter. Available from The Whisky Exchange or Royal Mile Whiskies for instance.