Benrinnes 15 - Flora and Fauna Series - 43%
Photo taken somewhere in Stuttgart
Benrinnes is one of those distilleries you don't see and hear a lot about on mainstream platforms, nonetheless they have built up a fine reputation amongst many whisky afficionados, wich applies for the entire Flora and Fauna series.
Nose
This is nuts, we mean literally! It's like a paste made of almonds, hazelnuts, macadamia and pecans that has been spiced with nutmeg and miso afterwhich fermented for a few weeks to developp a slight sourness. Really a beautiful and intense distillate for that low abv. After getting a few minutes of fresh air, we get a sweet and floral scent, like a fine soap. Let's give it just a few drops of water: no big developpment, the nuts subside a little and give way for more floral notes enriched with a few crushed pine needles.
Palate
Really strong, full-bodied and spicy entrance with coffee, grounded carob, a bit of chocolate, crushed walnuts and Cayenne pepper. The second sip reveals toffee and nutmeg and a distinct meat-y-ness. The coffee note somehow reminds us of the older Lagavulin 16 releases.
Finish
Quite long, with a pleasant dryness of walnut skins and old lemon peels. Simple, but good.
Rating
We percieve this whisky almost as a hidden gem within it's price range, with the bouquet being really sophisticated and lovely. Its so nutty and savoury, squirrels would absolutely rejoice with it.
