1997 The Whisky Cellar Private Cellars Selection Benriach 22 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Tasting note: Ex-Bourbon matured followed by a lengthy four year finishing in a rum barrel. At first, the nose is fresh and grassy but teases with something deeper, richer and sweeter. Taste wise, a fairly basic but satisfying whisky, brimming with body, brooding spices and tooth coating malt. Other than the mouthfeel, the rum doesn't seem to have interfered, except for presenting at the aftertaste with vague suggestions of banana bread and pineapple pudding. The length of the finishing suggests a quiet cask. 57.1% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

Notes from the bottler... Expect notes of grilled pineapple, caramelised Demerara sugar, vanilla and ripe apricot. Not too 'rummy', with grasses, lemon and lime, and fruity banana notes, finishing extremely long.