Review #104 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 58.2% Comments: aged 12 years, matured in a Pedro Ximénez Puncheon Tasted after: first up Appearance (no score): Burnt umber color. Swirling reveals a thick line sticking to the side of the glass, legs are very slow to form. Nose: 17/20 Cinnamon coffee cake, dark chocolate covered cherries, sticky raisins, a whiff of new leather which reminds me of “new car smell”, and a bit of the floral and sweet smell that one smells from honeycomb flowers. Palate: 35/40 Nice oily mouthfeel, though not as sweet as the nose may have suggested, and surprisingly smooth given the high ABV. Spicy and dry oak tannins dominate, accompanied by some raisins and brown sugar. There’s still more subtle hints of char and cigar wrappers lingering in the background, which I think help to round the flavor profile out nicely. Finish: 35/40 Medium-long finish. Dry oak tannins from the palate carry forward to kick things off, accompanied by some cinnamon and chili pepper heat. There’s some bitter baking coco that emerges as these fade, then nutmeg and plumbs, finally ending on a leathery note. With Water: A couple drops of water enhance the floral aromas on the nose, and introduce the very slightest hint of ripe and juicy grapefruit citrus to the finish. Overall very little discernible difference. Total: 87/100 Final thoughts: I believe this might be my first ever unpeated BenRiach, and this single cask they put forward is a terrific sherry bomb. I should note that it needed time to rest, as all I initially smelled was paint thinner after pouring the sample bottle into my glencairn. After about 15 minutes though it opened up beautifully! I have a couple different single cask bottles from this distillery which I haven’t gotten around to opening yet, but after enjoying this dram I am looking forward to that! This made for a very enjoyable dram to take my time with by the fire during a winters evening. Thanks to my brother @Mark-Watson2 for the sample. Price: gifted sample Would recommend: yes Would buy: yes Scoring Legend: 96-100: The perfect dram, absolutely exceptional, nectar of the gods, I will savor this bottle and make it last, 5 stars. 90-95: Near perfect, there is something truly special about this whisky, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to amazing, almost the complete product, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable to drink, but doesn’t wow me, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but ultimately flawed, unlikely to purchase again, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid dram, but wouldn't go out of my way to get it, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Suitable for cooking or direct contribution to the kitchen sink drain, 2.5 stars or less.