Benrinnes 2008/2022 Signatory Vintage 13 years old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70 cl 43%

Same distillation day as its sister release, but half a year longer in wood and a different pair of bourbon barrels. Small differences that end up giving two whiskies you could tell apart blindfolded.

The expert's description

Benrinnes 2008/2022 Signatory Vintage 13 years is a Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky matured in Bourbon Barrels and bottled at 43 %.

Cask no. 800308 and 800309 were filled on 18 September 2008 and emptied on 7 February 2022. The whisky carries its natural colour and is bottled at 43 %, the strength Signatory use for their more approachable range.

Benrinnes sits in Speyside, but Signatory chose the Highland designation for this label — both are legal, because Speyside lies geographically within the Highland region. Under the label is the same heavy, worm tub cooled spirit the distillery has produced since its rebuild in the 1950s.

Tasting notes

Nose

Toasted grain, caramel and ripe pears. A faintly salted note in the background makes the nose less sweet than the colour suggests.

Palate

Malty and dry with vanilla, walnut and baked apple. The oak is more evident than in the 12 year old, and there is more bite in the middle.

Finish

Long and dry with toasted malt, a hint of dark chocolate and a nutty aftertaste.

Specifications

Name: Benrinnes 2008/2022 Signatory Vintage 13 years old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70 cl 43%
Distillery: Benrinnes
Bottler: Signatory Vintage
Region/Country: Speyside, Scotland
Type: Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Age: 13 years
ABV: 43 %
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Bourbon Barrels, cask no. 800308 and 800309
Natural colour: Yes
Distilled: 18/09/2008
Bottled: 07/02/2022
EAN no.: 5021944116799

Flavour profile

Dry · Malty · Nutty · Vanilla · Bourbon matured

Did you know?

From 1974 to 2007 Benrinnes used a partial triple distillation, splitting the spirit and running it through three separate stills. Today distillation is conventional and twofold — but the worm tubs were kept.

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Frequently asked questions about Benrinnes 2008/2022 Signatory Vintage 13 years old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70 cl 43%

What is the difference between this and the 12 year old from the same distillation day?

One extra year in wood and two different casks. The 13 year old is drier, nuttier and carries stronger oak character, where the 12 year old is softer and more vanilla led. Same spirit, different casks — that is the whole point of single cask bottlings.

Why does the label say Highland when Benrinnes is in Speyside?

Because Speyside is geographically part of the Highland region and the rules permit both terms. The bottler decides. To compare, take a look at the full range of Speyside Whisky.

What are worm tubs, and why do they matter?

Worm tubs are long coiled copper pipes submerged in cold water tanks that condense the alcohol vapour. They give less copper contact than modern condensers, leaving heavier aroma compounds in the spirit. The result is the meaty character Benrinnes is known for.

Is it one for collectors?

It is more a drinking bottle than a collector's bottle. It is, however, a good example of the distillery's style in bourbon wood, and hard to find outside the independent bottlers.

What food does it suit?

Try it with mature cheddar, roasted nuts or dark chocolate with a high cocoa content. The dry malt and nutty notes play well against salt and bitterness.

Should I drink it neat?

Start neat at 43 %. If you want to open it up, a single drop of water works — but the whisky is already bottled at a level where it needs no help.