BenRiach 22 Years Moscatel Finish was a limited edition from Benriach was initially matured in bourbon barrels before being finished in Moscatel wine casks, sourced from Portugal.
BenRiach 22 yo ‘Moscatel finish’
(46%, OB +/- 2017)
BenRiach 22 yo ‘Moscatel finish’Nose: juicy grapes, rather aromatic and fairly similar to the light Moscatel wines from Setúbal or Valencia. Golden raisins, figs and apricot jams. Orange cake, cinnamon and hints of fresh oak as well. Nice.
Mouth: thick honey sweetness, rock candy sugar with lots of berries (redcurrant, white cherries). Very juicy, with a nice sweet and sour balance. Cinnamon and vanilla, as well as light hints of chocolate and leathery notes towards the end. The oak balances the sweetness and vice versa.
Finish: medium long and sweet, with vanilla, oak, caramel and cinnamon.
The aromatic Moscatel supports the BenRiach fruitiness nicely. Maybe a tad too syrupy (and too expensive) for some, but I find it quite successful. It’s listed under ‘archived bottlings’ on the BenRiach website, but it’s still available from Master of Malt among others.
Score: 87/100