Benriach The Twenty One 21 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

New as of 2021, The Twenty One is another 'updated' core malt in Benriach's portfolio, differentiated by its use of peated barley and maturation in four different types of casks: Bourbon, sherry, virgin oak and Bordeaux red wine. Unlike its previous incarnation, the peat is reported to be quite salient in this expression, with more smoke coming through after every sip. 46% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

Other reviews... Sweet and beguiling smokiness, with wild mint, vanilla bean, and chocolate-coated raspberries on a complex, vibrant nose. The mouthfeel is thick and flavorful, with warm notes of sweetened peat, red berries, and dark chocolate, followed by a long, velvety finish offering notes of orange tart, more chocolate, licorice, dark espresso, and a touch of wood-fired brisket. Lively, agreeable, and inviting—like the warm hearth of a mountain cabin at nightfall. 91 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: David Fleming 2021

...An elegant dram, the nose opens with an array of dried red berries, cocoa powder, lilac, sea spray, and toasted oak. Wonderfully complex palate of dried mango, sweetgrass, and paprika with a touch of peat smoke. Nutty, honeyed, and everlasting finish. 94 points, Excellent, Highly Recommended - Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2021

"The nose is dry and citrusy with a breeze of gingery spiciness. On the palate, candied ginger, grapefruit peel, cinnamon and pine needle add a freshness, with cocoa and more woodsiness on the palate. It's quite drying on its own. A drop of water imparts a more ginger bread/ginger snap taste. This would be a good whisky to sip alongside charcuterie or a bacon tart! " 91 points - distiller.com