BenRiach 1976 (cask #8804)

The last BenRiach 1976 in the ninth batch was a peated expression bottled from hogshead #8804.

BenRiach 35 yo 1976 (54,9%, OB 2012, hogshead #8804, peated, 232 btl.)

Nose: quite dry and earthy, and rather more peated than expected. Chamomile tea, some mineral notes and heather. Ferns. A little eucalyptus. Almonds. Develops a softer side with coconut and unripe mango, especially with a drop of water, but the austerity knocks over the fruity notes.

Mouth: again rather peaty, even slightly tarry, but luckily the fruity notes are more open now as well. Some guava, mango and grapefruit. Dry and leathery but it achieves a nice balance with mellow peat. Oak in the background, just a peppery wave in the front row.

Finish: long, slightly peaty, slightly peppery. Still a tad dry.

Funny how this seems more peated than cask #8079or #8080, the nicer peated casks which we’ve tried in the big BenRiach 1976 comparison. More peat influence also means less tropical fruits I’m afraid. Around € 350.

Score: 89/100