The BenRiach Distillery in Scotland was first established in 1898, and only 5 years ago purchased from the Chivas Brothers by three entrepreneurs, two of whom were South Africans... which is how I imagine this bottle of 16-year-old gold received its name. In total we tasted five bottles, ranging from the 20-year-old, to a fine 10-year-old (which I actually enjoyed more that the 20 year old).
The most interesting things that I learned from the evening were (a) that a "single malt" is a whisky that comes from a single distillery and is made from a single type of malted grain, and (b) that most of BenRiach's casks (the barrels in which the whisky matures) are second-hand bourbon casks purchased mostly from the USA (thank you, Jack Daniel's!). :)
Obnoxio The Clown
Many single malts are matured in second-hand casks, often those used for Sherry, Port or Cognac manufacture. I’ve even had one that was oaked in barrels used to make Chardonnay. :o)
Try Glenfiddich Solera Reserve, for example. ;o)
Beverley
Well my better half would so have enjoyed tasting this one Paul- he does have a small collection of malts but this isn’t one in the collection..
Paul
Post authorObnoxio, yes, that’s exactly what the BenRiach guy was telling us. It’s true, they do use Sherry casks as well… and I could have sworn that he mentioned Chardonnay … although, now I’m sure not to forget. Ta.
I’ve had Glenfiddich before, but I’m not sure that it was the 15 year old. In fact, I doubt it was. It does sound as though you know somewhat more than I do about the subject though… hell, before the evening I wouldn’t have known why a single malt was a single malt. :)
Beverley, heh – yes. The irony is that Kerry-Anne likes Whisky more than I do! I mean, I drink it, and appreciate it, but she’ll order one before I do… although, Beer’s not too far off from Whisky… all it really lacks is about 10 years in a Sherry cask!
Parker Anderson
BenRiach Curiositas Peated 10 Years Old uses a heavily peated malted barley to produce a unique, fresh,peated expression.The peated malts achieve the maximum balance of oak infusion.It has an excellent dram which improves with water. It gives you a kick that you will never forget.