Benrinnes 2014

A lovely, medium bodied and agile Speyside malt, enhanced with a finish for 27 months in first fill Oloroso butt. As expected from the larger size of a butt, the influence of the wine remains slightly more subdued than if it had been matured in a smaller type of cask. At the nose, we have farmy notes, and then the pleasant sourness of peaches and young apricots, plus a whiff of orange. At the palate, it’s not exceedingly winey, but it’s very dry indeed! Quite astringent, with a mineral touch, and rather tannic. It remains fresh and lightfooted, floral and easy. There is a fragrant trait of herbal tea, and a touch of balsamic vinegar. The aftertaste is long, still very dry, spicy and appetizing.