Benrinnes – 21 Year Old 2002-2023 Hogshead "Vintage Speyside Reserve" by Milroy's of Soho (70cl, 46.3%)

This is an independent single malt from Benrinnes in Speyside, distilled in 2002 and bottled in 2023 by Milroy's of Soho in its Vintage Speyside Reserve range. It matured for 21 years in a single hogshead and is bottled at 46.3% in a 70cl bottle. It was distilled while Benrinnes still used partial triple distillation, a practice that ended in 2007. The profile is rich, honeyed and fruit-forward. The nose brings orange blossom honey, vineyard peach, apricot water and marzipan. The palate is mouth-coating, with orchard fruits, caramel and gentle wood spice, and the finish is long and clean, with lingering citrus and subtle oak.