Official tasting notes.
“The nose is rich with notes of orange marmalade, red cherries, and a noticeable but not intrusive oaky presence. The same intense influence from the wine can be found at the palate: orange peel and orange juice, then it steers towards a more herbal style, including a distinct note of chamomile. It grows spicier and spicier, peppery and tannic, and while the fruitiness is intense, it always remains very dry.
Towards the end, the darker and pleasantly bitter notes of orange peel take dominance over the orange juice, and the herbal, peppery and tannic character builds in intensity.”
John Atkins –
Benrinnes is unknown to me.
Something herbal here on the nose. Fresh cut parsley, hint of thyme. Unmistakably Wilson and Morgan…which fascinates me….Wilson and Morgan definitely has a style – and they use everything at their disposal to get there. Often, as in this tasting, it’s the Hogshead with a finish. A Hogshead is a 250 litre (generally) barrel, traditionally made from American oak. This extra volume allows the whisky to mature slowly, perfect for these 18 year olds, developing rich and complex flavours over time – and then W&M finish with a Sherry or an Oloroso Cask to expertly round it out and make it their own….Oh hang on…The finish is Fennel and Pork Chop. Herbaceous Benrinnes – A salad whisky. Where have you been my whole life? Benrinnes – now I only want to get to know you more.