BenRiach 20 Year Old 1997- G&M - 56.7%
Distilled in 1997, one year before the Seagram's stopped the in-house malting and four years before the distillery went silent for a couple years. Billy Walker purchased the distillery in 2003 and got the stills back up and running. By 2013, the floor maltings resumed.
Notes: Well defined nose - applesauce, toast (into almost fresh tortillas), pear. Fruit forward on the palate: apple, lemon, oak. Lots of savory spicy, top-notes mid. Structure is active, but patchy - dropping flavor at times.
Score: 6 (Solid) Love the clarity on the notes, but the structure doesn't support the ABV. Straightforward, pleasant pour that plays a touch ragged.
Pour This For: Bourbon fans who enjoy high proof pours.
Rating System
10 - Reevaluate The Budget
9 - Stash Two (If Able)
8 - Stash One (At The Right Price)
7 - Highly Recommend It To Strangers
6 - Solid - Above Average
5 - Acceptable For The Situation
4 - Not Vocally Complaining
3 - Anything Else To Drink?
2 - Nothing Nice To Say
1 - Drain Pour