Benriach 2010 PX Finish
Cask Type: Butt
Bottled: 2023
Age: 13
Region: Speyside
No. of bottles: 580
ABV: 61.1%
Release: Spring Release 2023
Rob Whitehead
“This dram shows the savoury side of ex-Pedro
Ximenez cask maturation. Black Tea and
various chocolates are interwoven on the
nose with the darkest cherries and musk rose.
The palate develops this theme with Turkish
Delight, a whisp of woodsmoke and various
fruits of the forest. Some enervating tartness of
lingering berries round out proceedings with
aplomb. There is wonderful work going on here
in this quiet corner of Speyside.”
Tasting Notes
This vibrant Speysider has spent the last two years
of its life in a sweet ex- Pedro Ximénez butt, giving
a spicy nose full of sticky gingerbread, clove rock
and liquorice. A little water coaxes out some juicy
pear notes and a touch of underripe mango. The
palate is a touch drying at full strength, offering
ginger, pepper and sweet plum wine. A little time
and dilution show a more complex dram, with
layers of fruit, spice and a touch of oak. This is a
vigorous whisky perfect for enjoying after dinner
alongside dessert.
Distillery
Benriach Distillery, near Elgin, is a short walk from its sister distillery, Longmorn. The distillery was constructed in 1898 at the height of the Victorian whisky boom but soon fell silent, not resuming production again until 1965.
Jonny says: “Visiting Benriach is always a pleasure, whether it be to select casks, or to enjoy the victorian charm of their super-rare on-site floor maltings. The site is arranged around a thoroughfare, with each part of the process taking place around this central spine. A place, and a spirit, that is evocative of a bygone age.”