Angelo Corbetta, absolute ruler of the Harp Pub Great Kingdom, allows us the priviledge of choosing with him some bottles from his rich collection when we organize our tastings: historical bottlings rather impossible to find. It’s a double priviledge indeed, because we both taste these whiskies during the tastings and we can bring home some samples to review later. A couple of months ago, we opened four Rare Malts: the first was this Benrinnes at 60.4% ABV. Let’s go to work!
N: it’s incredible how the high ABV is unnoticeable. A charming mineral layer stands out at the beginning: beeswax, warm cereals and orange essential oil. It releases a rich bouquet of aromas, between whole-grain croissant, honey, warm sugar – do you remember Nastrine? Think about a brioche fresh out of the oven. There’s also some juicy, ripe yellow fruits (peaches and apples). It would seem an ordinary and polite nose, meanwhile it’s lustful…
P: wonderfully intense, the alcohol is more evident here. It erupts in explosive outburst of flavors: the attack is austere, focused on wax and oily minerality; then it steers into a vivid fruity side (canned peaches), preparing for the final dash: pastry, warm sugar and honey croissant… What a gorgeous cereal note, here! Bold and enormously satisfying.
F: long and persistent. After a pleasant sensation of warmth, the waxy side steals the show.
Ther’s not much to say: it’s simply astonishing, with a quite unique profile. This waxy veil, softly lying on the fruity and malty body, drives us crazy! A nice surprise, considering that’s one of the more understimated Rare Malts, but we think it’s not to be missed. 91/100.
Recommended soundtrack: Aphex Twin – T69 Collapse.
