BenRiach, since their relaunch under Billy Walker, have become well-known for exciting, inventive single malts which use a range of different cask varieties for maturation.

This is one such offering, a delicious Speyside whisky, which has been aged in old-fashioned quarter casks (pictured on the label). These are casks that are a quarter of the size of the regular barrels, and were used for horseback transportation in the past.

Nowadays, they are used to impart a dense, oaky flavour, brought about by the greater ratio of wood to spirit, which also accelerates the aging process.

This is a superb, classically Speyside whisky, with notes of apple, pear, cracked black pepper, vanilla custard, lemon rind, dried apricots and clear heather honey.

The whisky is bottled at 46% ABV, giving a boost to the flavours and mouthfeel of the dram, and is presented without artificial colouring.

Impressive stuff from BenRiach.

• Product type
  Single Malt
• Distillery / brand
  Benriach
• Country
  Scotland
• Region
  Speyside
• Bottler
  Distillery Bottling
• Non-chillfiltered
  Yes
• Natural colour
  Yes
• SKU
  030347