BenRiach 2007 Cask Edition Moscatel Hogshead

Score: 72

BenRiach’s 2007 Cask Edition matured in a Muscatel hogshead delivered a beautifully layered experience, earning a well-deserved third place in the tasting and showcasing the distillery’s knack for pairing spirit with sweet wine casks. This wasn’t just another sherry bomb. From the start, it offered a more varied profile: floral top notes, a waxy texture, and subtle coffee undertones that added depth to the fruit-forward base. The Muscatel influence brought richness without overwhelming sweetness, cranberries, apricots, and dried citrus, all wrapped in a slightly woody frame. This expression leans drier and more structured. Less dessert-like, more contemplative. The oak was more present, giving the dram a grounded feel, while the fruit and florals danced lightly above. On the nose, it was elegant and expressive. On the palate, it delivered a balanced mix of fruit, spice, and gentle tannins. The finish lingered with dried flowers, soft wood, and a hint of roasted coffee bean. Another delicious example of BenRiach’s sweet wine maturation done right, complex, refined, and just quirky enough to stand out. Third place, but first in charm for those who like their sweetness tempered with structure.