Benrinnes 2007/2016 James Eadie 9 years old Single Speyside Malt Scotch Whisky 70 cl 46%

Nine years on first fill sherry casks is not a long time — but it is enough when the wood is this active. There is a youthful energy here that older bottlings rarely have.

The expert's description

Benrinnes 2007/2016 James Eadie 9 years is a Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky matured in first fill Sherry Butts and bottled at 46 %.

The release is a small batch from two first fill sherry casks, distilled in 2007 and emptied in 2016. It produced 1,308 bottles, and the whisky is neither chill filtered nor coloured.

James Eadie is a name with roots back to 1854, when the brewer James Eadie began blending whisky in Burton upon Trent. The brand was revived by his great-great-grandson in 2015 and today bottles single cask and small batch releases with unusual transparency about cask type and origin.

Tasting notes

Nose

Crisp and fruity with yellow apple, mango and cream toffee. The sherry shows as dried fig rather than dark sweetness.

Palate

Sweetness from the first sip, quickly followed by malt, vanilla and white pepper. Apricot and a hint of cinnamon give it breadth, and the 46 % holds it all together.

Finish

Medium long with caramel, dried fruit and a gently spiced warmth.

Specifications

Name: Benrinnes 2007/2016 James Eadie 9 years old Single Speyside Malt Scotch Whisky 70 cl 46%
Distillery: Benrinnes
Bottler: James Eadie
Region/Country: Speyside, Scotland
Type: Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Age: 9 years
ABV: 46 %
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: First fill Sherry Butts
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Natural colour: Yes
Distilled: 2007
Bottled: 2016
Number of bottles: 1308
Edition: Small Batch
EAN no.: 5060485430018

Flavour profile

Fruity · Sherry matured · Soft · Spicy · Young

Did you know?

James Eadie bottles carry a small red seal with a triangle — a direct nod to the Bass brewery trademark, which Eadie used because his business also dealt in beer.

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Frequently asked questions about Benrinnes 2007/2016 James Eadie 9 years old Single Speyside Malt Scotch Whisky 70 cl 46%

What does first fill sherry cask mean?

That the cask has never held whisky before, only sherry. Such a cask gives far more colour, sweetness and spice than a refill, which is why nine years on first fill sherry can deliver more character than fifteen years in a tired cask.

Is nine years too young for a good whisky?

No. Age says something about time, not about quality. With active casks and a heavy spirit like Benrinnes', nine years can be plenty. What matters is the balance between spirit and wood, and this bottling gets it right.

What is a small batch?

A release vatted from a few selected casks — two in this case. It gives a more consistent whisky than a single cask while still coming in a limited number of bottles, here 1,308.

How does it differ from bourbon matured Benrinnes?

The sherry casks add dried fruit, fig and a warm spice edge, where bourbon casks typically give vanilla, coconut and light fruit. The heavy core of the spirit is the same, but the clothing is different.

What temperature should it be served at?

Room temperature. If the whisky is too cold, the sherry notes close down. Warm the glass briefly in your hand before nosing it.

Is it a good place to start with sherry matured whisky?

Yes. The sweetness is clear but not heavy, and there is still fruit and freshness in it. To go further from there, there is plenty to explore under Speyside Whisky.