Benrinnes – Claxton’s Single Cask 1997 19 year old Whisky

A Speyside distillery that produces a very characterful whisky, sadly much of the output goes into blended whiskies produced by Diageo.  This is a little cracker of a whisky, aged for 19 years in a single refill hoghead and bottled at cask strength.

Spicy, fruity and malty on the nose with a real fruity component of pear, apple, orange, cocoa nibs and vanilla.  The palate is warm and spicy to begin with, with citrus and oak.  Once it calms down (takes a little water) there’s much more fruit and sweetness present, sugared almonds, apple turnover with cream and custard cream biscuityness.  The finish offers oak, spice and warming nuttiness.