CREETOWN DISTILLERS
Cree - 8 yo Benrinnes, Australian Wine Barrique Cask # 316194, 52.0% Alc/Vol, 700 ml
Cree - 8 yo Benrinnes, Australian Wine Barrique Cask # 316194, 52.0% Alc/Vol, 700 ml
Cask Number: 316194
Age: 8 years
ABV: 52.0%
Cask Type: Hogshead Re-Racked into an Australian Wine Barrique
Bottles: 334
Bottle Size: 700ml
Brand Tasting Notes: Rhubarb, floral and jammy
A bold and fruit-forward take on Benrinnes, this 8 year old expression highlights the interplay between the distillery’s rich, malty spirit and the vibrant influence of Australian red wine casks. Bright red fruits, citrus, and a lively tartness give this whisky an energetic and refreshing profile.
Nose: Strawberry jam and tart cherry juice arrive first, layered over warm malt and dry hay notes. A squeeze of fresh lime cuts through the sweetness, adding brightness and a slightly zesty edge.
Palate: Juicy strawberries and red berries dominate upfront before shifting toward a tart citrus character. Lime zest keeps the palate lively and fresh, while underlying vanilla and raisin notes add balance and depth alongside Benrinnes’ malty backbone.
Finish: Medium in length, fading into sweet cherry pie notes with lingering berry sweetness and a touch of citrus tang.
Natural color, non-chill filtered.
About the Benrinnes Distillery
The Benrinnes Distillery sits at the foot of the Speyside hills and is affectionately known as ‘the Ben.’ Located just outside the village of Aberlour, it keeps good company with its nearby neighbors including Glenfarclas, Tormore, GlenAllachie, Aberlour, and the Glenlivet. The original distillery built in 1826 was destroyed by a flood and the current site was rebuilt in 1829 just a short distance away.
Benrinnes is primarily utilized by Diageo as workhouse distillery, churning out malt for its popular Johnnie Walker blends and trading stock with other blending houses. Prior to a modernization project in 2007, the distillation at Benrinnes was quite complex and involved a partial triple distillation. This process was simplified by moving to a more traditional double process. Yet, Benrinnes still retains its meaty composition and light and floral notes, favored in many Speyside single malts. Benrinnes is typically only released as a single malt in Diageo’s Flora and Fauna series but unfortunately for the U.S. this release is not available in the American market. Fortunately, however, many independent bottlers have embraced the Benrinnes single malt, releasing it in various age statements and cask finishes.
Share
