Benriach 21 OLD VS NEW - Single Malt Scotch Whisky Comparison from WhiskyJason

WhiskyJason compares Benriach 21 OLD VS NEW - Single Malt Scotch Whisky
BenRiach 21y (OLD) Bourbon, Virgin Oak, PX and Red Wine Casks mit 46,0%
BenRiach 21y (NEW & PEATED) Bourbon, Sherry, Virgin Oak, Bordeaux Wine mit 46,0%

[@jasoncoates1835]

I always admire your approach to peated whisky. You enter with huge bias against, but never hesitate for a second to admit you were wrong about half the time. An admirable quality in a whisky taster.

[@WhiskyJason1]

I am often wrong and sometimes biased :-) But I am always willing to change my opinion if needed (with whisky)

[@samseiken2789]

I’m recently getting into Benriach with the ten. Here in New Hampshire USA the liquor import is state controlled. Which is a mixed bag. The main benefit of this is that popular name brands of scotch and other spirits come in at a cheaper price because the state buys in bulk. The downside is that the options are seriously limited when it comes to obscure whisky and independent bottlers. For whatever reason my state got ahold of a bunch of billy walker era benriach 10 a week ago… so I got a couple and it’s absolutely fantastic. I’ve been looking for all the reviews of older versions (like the few I have)I can about this spirit. It seems like the Magic has been lost in the newest versions. Sorry for the long winded comment. Love the content Jason.

[@WhiskyJason1]

Thanks Sam - but what is Magog?

[@samseiken2789]

@@WhiskyJason1 magic* lol.. that was some kind of phone spell correct error

[@thewhiskyscout1238]

I would probably like the new smoked version

[@WhiskyJason1]

probably

[@Tantrum777]

This is cool, I just bought the 20 year old 46% a 2016 bottle for 99 bucks. 99 dollars seems like a good deal for 20 years old. I just bought it, I have not opened it yet. I have no idea what casks types were used but the color is very dark. Fav 21 is Glendronach and its not even 21 now, its 25 or something? I forget the chart. Nice review Jason.

[@WhiskyJason1]

Thanks! yes Glendronach 21 is older than the age statement

[@janteun3]

bro try the tomatin 21 years old fully matured only in bourbon cask the tomatin 18 is olso very good bud that is a sherrie cask whisky bud try the tomatin 21 is not that expensive 133 euro in the nederlands ofcourse bud its really good

[@WhiskyJason1]

Thanks for the suggestions!

[@haydnball990]

Worst 21 I ever bought was the Balvenie 21 Portwood. Even at the 43% for US market and a store discount to $160 it was dismal and one of the few bottles I regret buying.

[@welshtoro3256]

Glad you mentioned that because it has been a rip off for a long, long, time. Balvenie could be great but they are poor value.

[@WhiskyJason1]

very sorry to hear that!!

[@ADSCP]

That’s right, I’m glad I only bought a sample. Do you know the Benriach 21 Tawny Port?

[@lyacoubian]

Very informative review & comparison as always. Any idea what the peat PPM level is..? I find Highland Park and Bunnahabhain "peatiness" very enjoyable. I own a couple of 21 year old bottles. Absolutely love the Bushmills. Glenfarclas is a close second.

[@WhiskyJason1]

Great choices Lorenz!

[@iancrombie8862]

Glenfarclas 21 used to be great..a couple of years ago...probably nearly double that now...Glengoyne 21 used to be under £100..

[@WhiskyJason1]

thanks Ian

[@martinbdker1542]

How do you think the new bottelings hold up against the old ones from the Billy Walker era?

[@WhiskyJason1]

very different

[@martinbdker1542]

@@WhiskyJason1 And which one do you prefer?

[@WhiskyJason1]

with the 21y - the old one - why put peat in the new old?

[@welshtoro3256]

Rachel Barrie is a fine whisky person for sure. Trouble is these personalities that join distilleries like football managers for hire are usually around to rescue something from relegation. Her time at Bowmore, which was a sinking ship, didn't rescue that distillery from relegation. Today, it's second division. Benriach, post Billy Walker, is in the relegation zone. People forget how much excellent stuff was coming out of Benriach until about six or seven years ago. I don't think there's a single expression that people are excited about or think great value. Just as in Bowmore I can't blame her for the situation of these distilleries but she's part of the equation. 140 euros for modern Benriach 21 with nothing to back it up is too much. They are far from a luxury brand. Glenfarclas 25 with history is less. Glencadam 21, which is superb, is around £100 and they make tons of profit. Take away the age statement and we have a host of great whisky to compete with. The reality of the world of whisky we live in is one of complete rip off. Those old whiskies were not under-priced, they were a fair price for distillery and consumer. The current set up is the paying public being completely exploited. The whisky industry is worth billions due to cynical marketing and consumer gullibility. "What would I rather drink?" Something other than whisky. I'm a small voice but I refuse to be ripped off like an idiot. Good review as always. WT

[@lyacoubian]

Hear, hear...

[@WhiskyJason1]

food for thought - thanks!

[@ADSCP]

Do you the Benriach 21 Tawny Port?

[@ADSCP]

Hi Jason, do you know the Benriach 21 Tawny Port?

[@WhiskyJason1]

nope only the old and the new benriach 21 kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4GWZZlopKl-rpY