Benrinnes - 15 - Flora and Fauna

A rich nose, presenting an early impression of chocolate liqueurs - perhaps rum filled, although there is a light sherry-wood note as well. Light smokiness, and a dense floral note. 'Vintage car upholstery' describes it best. An evocative combination of old leather, oil, burnt rubber and exhaust fumes. With water, similar but fresher; polished wood, a piney note. Still a heavy nose. The vintage car leather scents persist when further reduced - at which a faint mustiness creeps in.

Full-bodied, with a very smooth mouthfeel.

Richly sweet, full, rum-like, with a centre palate impact. In spite of the sweetness, not cloying.

Dries out slightly in the finish, where there is also a 'catch' which might be taken for peat-smoke. Medium length, leaving a faintly sherried aftertaste.