I was rather excited when BenRiach announced the introduction of the BenRiach 10 Years Old as the cornerstone of their range. Now, I wouldn’t get too overly excited about a new 10 years old standard expression in general but this one is a pretty special one: according to their official statement, it is the first core range expression to be created predominantly from whiskies distilled at BenRiach since a consortium around Billy Walker took over the distillery back in 2004.

Not long ago, I already reviewed another 10 years old Benriach, namely the BenRiach 10th Anniversary Bottling. However, that one was solely matured in ex-bourbon barrels (and was bottled at 46.0% ABV), whereas this expression is matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-Sherry casks.

Facts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name:	BenRiach 10 Years Old
Bottled:	2015
Category:	Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Distillery:	BenRiach
Cask Type:	Ex-Bourbon and Ex-Sherry casks
Strength:	43.0% Vol.
Colored:	No
Chill Filtered:	No

Nose

A whole pile of custard in the front, combined with a soft, fresh fruitiness – pears, peaches and apricots. Stem ginger. Some gold kiwi fruits for an added citric touch. Hints of cherry blossoms and mint. All rounded off by barley sugar.

Taste

Warming yet light. A harmonious interplay between Granny Smiths and toasted oak. Then cacao powder, peaches and some anise. Hints of lemon zest.

Finish

Rather medium than long. Becomes increasingly drier with a touch of barley sugar.

Overall

Nicely uncomplicated.

Score: 84 / 100