Benriach 10 Year Old The Original Scotch Review

By Michael Cervin

Rating: B

Benriach is a single malt distillery in the north Speyside region of Scotland. It was built in 1898, on the site of the Riach farm, drawing water from the underground aquifer right underneath the distillery.

But Benriach has had a tumultuous path. They were operational for just two years before a crash in the Scotch industry in 1900 closed production, and they remained closed until 1965. Then in 1972, Benriach got a second chance when Glenlivet started production of peated malt under the Benriach name. The first new whisky was released in 1994, specifically as single malt, whereas years prior it was a blend. But successive ownership (Seagram, Pernod Ricard) harmed the brand and, once again, it was shut down in 2002. Two years later independent investors took over, inheriting casks dating back to 1965. Hopefully the third time is the charm, and they now produce peated and unpeated expressions. Brown-Forman acquired Benriach in 2016. The Original Ten uses three wood types: bourbon barrels, Sherry casks and what they call “virgin oak,” for maturation. The ABV is 43%.

The Scotch

Color: Very light golden

Nose: Caramel, butter toffee, light smoke, rather subtle honey, peaches, and sweet vanilla.

Palate: A soft entry leads a to a more pronounced mid-palate finesse. There is noticeable orange zest, honeysuckle, caramel, browned butter toffee, with sweet notes of baked pears and nutmeg. The citrus notes are lightly mitigated by notes of resin and amber. All of this leads to a nice, somewhat lengthy finish. This is a solid Scotch, straddling a middle ground between typical citrus and more woody notes. It offers a pleasant viscosity, and though all the correct elements are there, it doesn’t break out with enough distinction. As an “everyday” Scotch it works well, though the price tag doesn’t exactly justify what’s in the glass. Benriach The Original Ten is enjoyable from the nose all the way through the finish, although this is not a complex single malt. For someone looking for an introduction into Scotch this Speyside offering would be an excellent first look.

The Price
$55, but demand for limited stock could see the price go higher.