Benrinnes 21 yo ‘Grand Crescendo’ (55,4%, OB Special Releases 2024, wine casks + rejuvenated casks)

Nose: fairly rich, the wine is easy to notice. It gives us strawberries and redcurrants, with darker hints of dried plums and raisins. Wine soaked pears. Then a little moss, along with black pepper and ginger, candied cherries and tobacco leaves. Mint and toffee notes. A slightly uncommon woody note too, like balsawood.

Mouth: initially sweet and caramelly, with baked apples, blackberries, melons and molasses. Then the charred layer comes out, with plenty of oak spice. Pepper, chilli heat, ginger and a light winey astringency. Cinnamon, grape pips and cocoa towards the end. Some hazelnut, and even a salty edge.

Finish: medium to long. Still a winey edge, with pepper, cinnamon and a light sourness.