BenRiach 10 Year

Nose: Malted grain, cooked apple, lemon zest, spice, bread, gentle alcohol. Palate: Roasted grain, spice, black tea, sugar, unripe apple, woody astringency, faint butter. This older release offers a distinct profile compared to the current ten-year expression. It emphasizes baking spices, barley, and a subtle wood character. In contrast, the "Original Ten" favors sweet malt, vanilla, and fruit notes. The initial taste lacks excitement, developing more complexity mid-palate with notes of cardamom, tea leaves, and mild caramel. After an hour, a noticeable mint aroma emerges at the front. The finish is notably enduring, combining green apple, oak tannins, and a delicate buttery sensation. An intriguing element reminiscent of some Armagnacs is present, though hard to pinpoint. Essentially, it presents a distinct grape-like quality. A pleasing dram, thoroughly enjoyable despite its lower proof; a worthwhile suggestion.

Color is antique gold with a honey-yellow hue. A wispy rim of delicate legs. The initial aroma is dominated by sherry cask, intensely floral. Next comes butter and rich cream. Oak from the cask strongly influences the aroma. A faint peppery cask spice is present. On the palate, that perfumed wood from the cask continues. It's a blend of port wine, cask embers, and spiced oak. Sweet plums and sherry notes. Hints of red wine varietals and berries. The swallow reveals creamy milk and a subtle metallic note, similar to a roll of coins. The conclusion is unexpectedly briny, with hints of white pepper and more cask embers. The tannins create a pronounced puckering sensation on the lips. A touch of tanned leather, yet the floral notes remain the spirit's most prominent feature, even in the aftertaste.

This showcases the unaged spirit character from this distillery. It's a dependable Speyside single malt. The aroma is gentle and fruity, with apple skin notes and a light floral touch. Malt and barrel notes are present but not overwhelming; it's all very approachable. The palate is similar, with malty apple and woody spice. It's pleasant and flavorful, though not complex, offering a warm and inviting experience akin to an apple pie cooling on a windowsill. The finish becomes a bit dry, but the barley, gentle fruit, and spice linger sufficiently. While I prefer their peated and sherry-finished spirits, this is a decent scotch. It reminds me of a less impressive version of Glenfarclas 10, which I enjoy. I'm happy I found this on sale for $35; although I liked it, I wouldn't repurchase it at the usual $50s price point... Score: 85/100.

A little too sweet and somewhat lacks character or distinct qualities. It leaves me with the overall impression of a lemon poppyseed muffin, which is fortunate because it helps me justify drinking this at 6 am. Ah, who am I kidding... I'm far beyond the point of caring about time. It's time for me to dismiss time. Screw you, time, all you ever did was make me wish that this whiskey and myself had more of you. In that regard, you are unlike this dram because I don't wish I had more of it. One bottle is the perfect amount. This is good, but not typically what I seek in a whiskey. The price is acceptable for a 10-year-old, but I wouldn't call it a great value. True value was buying a small keg of Bourbon County Stout 2015 for $65, as I did yesterday. Beat that, Ben!

Light amber color. It requires a moment to open up, but reveals a rich nose of cereal, white sugar, vanilla, raisin, oat, honey, heather, and orange citrus zest. This is certainly a charming Speyside. The palate features honeyed malt, apple, pear orchard fruits, biscuity cookies, and honeyed tea. It has a very sugary, vanilla finish with subtle notes of black pepper, brown sugar, dried apricot, and banana. This is Speyside done correctly. It's both novel and familiar. I could easily imagine this becoming a favorite in the future.

I was pleasantly surprised! It's actually quite good. The aroma is sharp and vivid, and that characteristic carries through to the taste. The texture is remarkably substantial, which I certainly didn't expect considering its youth and its classification as a "light" Speyside. It leans more towards tartness than excessive sweetness. Notes of butter, crisp apple, grain, and lemon zest are present. The primary downside is a slightly metallic finish. However, for an age-stated single malt, this is remarkably solid for what it costs. At $29, it was a low-risk purchase. Even the common Glen brands retail for $35-$40.