Benrinnes 2010/2023 Signatory Vintage 12 years old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70 cl 46%

An Oloroso Sherry Butt is a large cask — 500 litres of dry, nutty oak in no particular hurry. Twelve years in one of those, and the heavy Benrinnes spirit gets exactly the frame it deserves.

The expert's description

Benrinnes 2010/2023 Signatory Vintage 12 years is a Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky matured in a first fill Oloroso Sherry Butt and bottled at 46 %.

The cask was filled in September 2010 and emptied in 2023, yielding 234 bottles. The whisky is neither chill filtered nor coloured, and the 46 % was chosen so the sherry character stands clear without alcohol dominance.

Signatory buy casks from distilleries across Scotland and bottle under their own name. A first fill Oloroso butt is among the most expensive and most sought after casks in the trade, and it is rarely spent on a 12 year old — here it was.

Tasting notes

Nose

Dried figs, walnut and orange peel. There is a dry, almost dusty sherry character typical of Oloroso rather than the sweeter sherry styles.

Palate

Full bodied with raisin, dark rye bread and bitter orange. Nuts step forward in the middle, and a spiced draught of clove runs through it.

Finish

Long and dry with walnut shell, dark chocolate and a pleasant bitterness.

Specifications

Name: Benrinnes 2010/2023 Signatory Vintage 12 years old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70 cl 46%
Distillery: Benrinnes
Bottler: Signatory Vintage
Region/Country: Speyside, Scotland
Type: Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Age: 12 years
ABV: 46 %
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: First fill Oloroso Sherry Butt
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Natural colour: Yes
Distilled: 09/2010
Bottled: 2023
Number of bottles: 234
EAN no.: 5021944121670

Flavour profile

Sherry matured · Nutty · Dry · Spicy · Full bodied

Did you know?

A butt holds around 500 litres — twice as much as a hogshead. The larger the cask, the less surface area per litre of whisky, which is why a butt works more slowly and more subtly than small wood.

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Frequently asked questions about Benrinnes 2010/2023 Signatory Vintage 12 years old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70 cl 46%

What is the difference between Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez?

Oloroso is a dry sherry that gives nuts, orange and a dry spiced character. Pedro Ximénez is sweet and gives raisin, dates and syrup. An Oloroso cask therefore produces a more restrained and more structured whisky.

Why only 234 bottles?

Because there was only one cask. After twelve years part of the contents has evaporated — the so-called angels' share — and what remains stretches to that number of bottles. That is the entire reason single cask bottlings are always small.

Is it too dry if I like sweet whisky?

Possibly. Oloroso leans towards nuts and bitter orange rather than sweetness. If you prefer the sweet end, a Pedro Ximénez cask or a bourbon matured version will suit you better.

How does Benrinnes taste with sherry?

The distillery's heavy, meaty character suits sherry casks unusually well. There is an almost salted edge beneath the sweetness that makes the whisky more complex than a light Speyside in the same type of wood.

Can I use it in a cocktail?

You could, but it would be a shame. One cask, 234 bottles and twelve years in first fill Oloroso were not made for mixing. Drink it neat from a Glencairn whisky glass.

How long does it keep once opened?

A couple of years without problems if you keep it dark and upright. Below a third remaining it goes faster — consider decanting into a smaller bottle to reduce the air.