Bennevis 2002 10 Year Old Official #334

Impressed by the unique cask character and exotic flavor profile. Bennevis BENNEVIS 2002-2013 10yo OB #334 56.4% one of 710 bottles, PORT PIPE A rich, enveloping aroma with notes of plum jam, strong raisin-like grape, black honey, soy sauce and mirin. A rustic barley character lingers in the background, accompanied by a touch of dried seafood delicacy. The palate is viscous and rich, with a sticky jam sweetness, pronounced raisin grape flavor, balanced tannic astringency, and rustic barley umami. A subtle grassy bitterness adds depth to the flavor profile. 【Good/Very Good, Interesting】 This is an official bottling of Bennevis 2002, a single cask whisky aged for 10 years. Though relatively short-aged, it's a rare variation matured in a Port Pipe cask. The first impression was surprisingly unique, with an enveloping aroma featuring concentrated fruity notes of strong raisins, black honey, and a savory nuance reminiscent of soy sauce and mirin. On the palate, it exhibits a viscous texture with sweet notes of raisins and jam, balanced tannic dryness, and a perceptible barley umami. Despite being aged for only 10 years in a large cask, the original Port Pipe must have been exceptionally high quality, as it completely masks any roughness or immaturity. While the aroma undeniably carries an exotic savory character, the palate delivers a rich and strong flavor profile with a luscious, concentrated sweetness that avoids the flat, sticky nuances often found in wine casks. The tannic astringency adds depth to the flavor, resulting in a rich and complex malt. Although the aroma lacks refinement and feels more like a cask's forceful expression, this bottle is remarkably well-crafted for its aging period. I strongly suspect it was matured in a high-quality Port wine cask.