QV.ID, the Belgian drinks shop between Leuven and Brussels, has a family history of 115 years, but the makeover and focus on whisky took place exactly five years ago.
To celebrate, Koen selected an anniversary bottling, a Benriach 1991 from the Malts of Scotland stocks.
BenRiach 23 yo 1991 (50,8%, Malts of Scotland 2014, bourbon barrel, ref. MoS 14031, 177 btl.)
BenRiach 23 yo 1991 (50,8%, Malts of Scotland 2014, bourbon barrel, ref. MoS 14031, 177 btl.)Nose: quite a typical, fruity Benriach nose. Summer fruits: watermelon, peach, sweet pear. Hints of marshmallow. A coconut / vanilla combo. Honey and marzipan. A soft grassy / minty edge as well. Nice and clean, really aromatic.
Mouth: very bright and fruity again. Honey, vanilla cream, pears and tangerines. Hints of cake. Added weight is achieved through pepper and liquorice from the oak. Quite some floral hints as well. Ginger. Even a very light saltiness.
Finish: long, still fruity (some grapefruit now), plus some spices.
Good, fruity Benriach. Pretty naked and with a balanced influence from the oak. Available from QV.ID of course. Good news for foreign visitors by the way: they’ll open a web shop in November.
Score: 88/100