Whisky Review: BenRiach The Forty landed on my desk at 43.5% abv, SRP $4,500, carrying a $4,500. Color: Mahogany with evenly spaced legs price tag. Here is what I found.
Nose
40 year old, matured in bourbon casks and finished in a combination of bourbon and port casks, 43.5% abv, SRP $4,500. Color: Mahogany with evenly spaced legs. From the moment this touches the glass it smells exactly how you imagine it would. Warm and inviting oak with a soft hint of sea salt. It evolves into smelling of old books. As it warms in the glass you are entreated to chocolate covered cherries, burnt oranges, and walnut wood. The smell cascades across the nose.
Palate
I had to check my expectations with this. Forty years in wood is a long time – its a lifetime in oak. I thought it was going to be so powerful and robust, I was expecting waves of flavor to cascade over my palate.rnrnWhat I got was an extremely refined whisky with balance almost like a ballet. It spent 40-years in oak and you dont get assailed by the strongest flavors. To the contrary you get the most delicate notes in the profile, the orchard fruits, the peach, the walnut. Its masterfully created and although Id never spring for it, it is exquisite.
Finish
Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by Whiskeyful or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.
The Bottom Line
Whisky Review: BenRiach The Forty is outstanding — one of those bottles that reminds you why you fell in love with whiskey in the first place. If you see it at $4,500. Color: Mahogany with evenly spaced legs, do not hesitate. This one earns a permanent spot on the shelf.
