The result of combining Benrinnes distillate with ex-Madeira cask is a quite light and almost effervescent whisky. Sweet and peachy from the Madeira wine influence and deliciously spiced towards the end of the palate. 83/100
Still young but eminently drinkable this has a lovely peach yoghurt fruity and creamy nature, surprisingly little ‘new make’ evidence and not overly oaked, though perhaps shows it a little in fresh oak/pencil shavings, gentle biscuity cereals too shows great promise. 83/100
A powerful, fragrant dram full of fruit and flowers, distinct spirit character throughout that was really rather inviting. Wood varnish and tropical fruits abound. 91/100
A superb expression that balances both spirit and wood influences, full of tropical fruit. 88/100
This small batch has slightly more depth, whether due to quality of the initial distillate or casks used is hard to determine but I certainly preferred this over the Linkwood in the same range. 82/100
This came across as a little young, spirity and vanillic, tasted blind I guessed either Speyside or Lowland so wasn’t far off the mark for a small batch Linkwood in ex-Bourbon casks. 81/100
A mature, gentle and reserved Imperial expression, packed full of well aged fruit and wood with a focus on deep citrus zest. 91/100
A traditional Speysider, fruity with obvious influence of oak wood, well developed, zesty, cooked and preserved apples in this one. 85/100
A fascinating full ex-Sauternes maturation has delivered plenty of sweet fruit but equally tannic French oak influence to Glen Moray’s supple spirit. 86/100
Another quiet woody expression and not too dissimilar to the previous French oak edition with a touch more wood spices added here. 82/100
The Whiskyphiles 