Scotch

Scotch Whisky Review: Cask Masters Benrinnes 13 Year Old

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Scotch Whisky Review: Cask Masters Benrinnes 13 Year Old

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Item: Scotch Whisky Review: Cask Masters Benrinnes 13 Year Old
Rating: 8
Author: Phil Dwyer

by Phil Dwyer
May 5, 2025

Phil Dwyer is a freelance whisky writer, YouTuber, and former manager of The Whisky Shop Manchester, UK.

Tasting Notes:

About:

Benrinnes is typically found as a Flora & Fauna 15 Year Old expression. Much like this release, it is drenched in sun ripened sherry and remarkably easy to drink. This release has been bottled at ‘golden proof’ from the folks of Cask Masters. Much like the Old Malt Cask releases from Hunter Laing, we’ve got 50%+ expressions that can really showcase distillery style.

Appearance:

Maderia

Nose:

Brown sugar, sticky toffee pudding, baked dates, caramelised white chocolate, Barbados rum, baked apples, cinnamon sugar, cinnamon rolls, royal icing, blueberry muffins, lemon oil.

Palate:

The spiciest of the four releases on the palate. Delivers on all of the aromas, but it’s all turned up to 11. There is quite a lot of that caramelised white chocolate (Caramac bar) note, honeycomb, milk chocolate, Navy Strength rum, white pepper, sticky toffee sauce, sticky dates, caramel sauce.

The spice element is less about cinnamon and more about oak influence. This isn’t an old whisky, but it has the push of something twice its age when it comes to this punch wood notes.

Finish:

More classic sherry at the end. A little wood driven, but still has these chocolate, raisin, apricot, marinated fruit, sticky cooked fruit notes to it.

Comments:

A good example of Benrinnes in sherry. It’s big, decadent and rich. there aren’t many whiskies I’ve had in the past that have this blueberry note to them. The only one I can think of is Rowan’s Creek bourbon. This does some unexpected things when it comes to the nose, but is still a very reliable, classic Speyside style.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Phil Dwyer

Phil Dwyer is a freelance whisky writer and consultant. With a decade of experience in whisky retail and nearly as long running Whisky Wednesday on YouTube, Phil is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with fellow whisky lovers. His goal is to make whisky accessible and enjoyable, dispelling the jargon and complexity that can sometimes surround the spirit. In addition to his online presence, Phil managed The Whisky Shop Manchester, where he curated an impressive selection of some of the finest drams available.

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