BenRiach 15 year old Dark Rum Finish review

This dram is BenRiach 15 year old single malt whisky matured in ex-bourbon American oak casks and after that, finished in Jamaican dark rum casks. Released in 2006, it is part of BenRiach’s “Wood Finish Series”, there’s been 350 six-packs made available world-wide. The series also includes Pedro Ximenez Sherry, Madeira and aged Tawny Port finishes.

I have to admit, this wasn’t supposed to be anything special and I wasn’t expecting anything great, but I like it. It is weird in a funny way but it also has some character…in a weird mellow way. BenRiach 15YO Dark Rum Finish is like a multitalented comedian, balancing between funny and serious characters. Giving you a fruity side, yet with some dark notes.

ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND – not ready to erase this from my mind

At some points, this dram is a great contender for a 90 point place but occasionally it’s just plain silly. Very intriguing whisky – like a malty Jim Carrey or Robin Williams. I’m gonna name this whisky Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. A showcase of Carrey’s drama performance combined with weirdness. At one point, I was almost like Joel Barish (the character he played in the movie) ready to forget this whisky (like Joel forgetting his spouse Clementine). Only realizing, I don’t want to forget.

Matured in:

Ex-Bourbon casks, finished in Dark Rum casks

Colour: Pale gold

Nose: First it’s sugar cane, then it turns into candy cane and peppermint. Little bit of fruits and barley. Sweet rum comes very late.

Taste: Flavors are more darker than the scents. Spicy with dark toffee, and hints of milky chocolate. Water balances every edge, making it much smoother.

Finish: Rum and warming spices steal the show but very late in the aftertaste, tropical fruits kick in. Some bitterness develops with time.

Balance: Bit of a weirdo but I like it. Versatile whisky with a sense of humor.