Benriach 12, Matured in Sherry Wood, 46% abv.

This 2011 IWSC Trophy winner was matured in Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez Sherry butts.

Nose: honey, lemon, brown sugar syrup, strawberries, sweet fruits in general.
Palate: light, sherry notes seem to hit at the end, but become stronger and earlier with more sips.
Finish: short to moderate, dry, sharp, hint of lemons, a bitterness similar to bitter wood remains on the tongue, becomes more sour with more sips.

A pretty simple dram, a fruity nose, taste is simple, finish has that sour bitter wood. Seemed young, which it was. Overall a dry, sour-like flavor overtakes the experience, which I noticed other reviewers saying it's the sherry influence revealing itself.

Grade: C

Whiskyanalysis.com, 8.80 ± 0.26 on 9 reviews
Dramming.com, Oliver Klimek, 85/100
Whiskyfun.com, Serge, sgp:451, 80 points
2012 Whisky Bible, Jim Murray, 95.5
Whiskysaga.com, Tone Skavhaug, 83/100
Thewhiskyphiles.com, Berry Bradford, 84/100

Image courtesy of Eric Yee.

Eric Yee

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