Òr Leaghan Benriach Distillery 8 Year Old 2017 #66

Òr Leaghan Benriach Distillery 8 Year Old 2017 #66 is an independently bottled Speyside single malt Scotch whisky, distilled at Benriach on April 25, 2017, and bottled in October 2025 after eight years of maturation in a First-Fill Bourbon Barrel. Selected by Òr Leaghan and bottled at a natural cask strength of 61.3% ABV, this limited release comprises just 217 bottles. Its bourbon barrel maturation highlights the distillery's malt character, with an indicative profile of creamy vanilla, honey, orchard fruits, toasted oak, and warming spice. Bottled without chill filtration or added colouring, it offers a concentrated expression of Benriach's Speyside character.

Food Pairing: Vanilla crème brûlée, toasted almonds, apple tart, honey-glazed pork, buttery shortbread, aged Gouda, and caramel desserts.

Tasting Notes: Indicative notes of creamy vanilla, honey, orchard fruits, caramel, toasted oak, malted cereal, and warming spice.

Nose: Indicative aromas of vanilla custard, fresh apples, honey, toasted cereal, and gentle oak spice.

Palate: Expected to be rich and full-bodied at cask strength, with vanilla, caramel, sweet malt, orchard fruits, and warming bourbon barrel spices.

Finish: Indicatively long and warming, with lingering vanilla sweetness, toasted oak, malt, and gentle spice.

Serve: Enjoy neat in a Glencairn glass, allowing several minutes for the whisky to open. Given its 61.3% ABV, gradually adding a few drops of water may help soften the intensity and reveal additional sweetness and fruit character.