Hunter Laing Old Malt Cask Benriach 1996 (23 year old) 47.6%
Refill Bourbon Hogshead/ Code: OMC2930/ HL16005
Dist: Mar 1996 Btl: Oct 2019/ Tasted: Dec 2019
The nose is malty and heathery with beeswax, vanilla and edgy citrus. Quite Miltonduff-esque with plenty of mature baked apple and late coffee, walnut and toffee.
The palate is soft and malty with more vanilla, baked apple, heather and toffee. Good complexity with walnut, baked bread and dark honey. Lithe citrus and mineral finish with lingering almond paste, lime, dark honey and malt.
Hunter Laing Hepburns Choice Benriach 2010 (7 year old) 46%
Bourbon/ Code: HEP0317
Dist: Dec 2010 Btl: ?/ Tasted: Mar 2018
The nose is vinegary and acerbic with hints of barley, earth and coffee.
The palate is gritty and bitter, with too much of a youthful character, yes there are hints of sweet barley and citrus but the acerbic impurities overwhelm them. Short and hot finish.
Hunter Laing Hepburn’s Choice Benriach 2010 (10 year old) 46%
Bourbon/ Sherry Finished
Code: HEP0406/ Dist: May 2010 Btl: 2020/ Tasted: Sept 2020
A ferny and herbal nose with malt and tar. Quite edgy with a touch of ‘off the still’ feints. Chunky and a bit foursquare as Benriach can be at this age with subtle creamy oak beneath.
The palate is full, malty and herbal with hints of treacle and tar. The sherry is almost Pedro Ximinez-like in character and adds winey dark fruit. A little edgy with astringent peat on the middle. Medium length with lingering herbal spirit and herbal Oloroso sherry.
Whisky According to Chris Whiskyman 