Benriach 'The Original Ten' Scotch Whisky

Benriach 'The Original Ten' is a 43% ABV (86-proof) 10-year-old single malt Scotch whisky from Speyside, Scotland — the flagship of Benriach's 2020 range, matured a full decade in three cask types and married together for the distillery's signature house style. One hundred percent malted barley, with Benriach's hallmark whisper of smoke running beneath orchard fruit and vanilla. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.

• ABV/Proof: 43% ABV / 86 proof
• Size: 750mL
• Aging: Minimum 10 years — "three cask matured" in bourbon barrels, sherry casks, and virgin oak, then married
• Origin: Benriach Distillery, Speyside, Scotland (founded 1898; owned by Brown-Forman; Master Blender Rachel Barrie)
• Production: 100% malted barley; unpeated with a trace smoke note from the distillery's malting heritage

Three Casks, One House Style

When Brown-Forman relaunched Benriach in 2020, The Original Ten was the statement of intent: a 10-year-old built to taste like Benriach itself. Bourbon barrels bring vanilla and malt sweetness, sherry casks add dried fruit and depth, and virgin oak contributes spice and structure — married together, they frame the distillery's characteristically fruity spirit without any one cask dominating. Master Blender Rachel Barrie describes orchard fruit on vanilla cream and pastry, and that signature trace of smoke keeps the finish from ever feeling simple. For anyone stepping into single malt whisky beyond the usual names, this is one of the most rewarding introductions in Benriach's range.

Tasting Notes

The distillery's official notes: summer-gold colour; a nose of rich orchard fruit, honey, and toasted oak; a palate of ripe pear, nectarine, and malt sweetness; a finish of almond and spiced vanilla. Retailers echo a citrus-forward nose with gingerbread and cinnamon spice, fried banana and brown sugar on the palate, and a peppery-malt, vanilla-custard finish.

How to Enjoy

Serve neat or with a few drops of water to open the orchard-fruit aromatics. The 43% ABV takes a large ice cube well, and it holds its own in a Rob Roy or a Scotch-forward old fashioned.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "three cask matured" mean?
The whisky ages in bourbon barrels, sherry casks, and virgin oak, and the matured whiskies are married together — each cask type contributes vanilla, fruit, and spice respectively.

Is The Original Ten peated?
No — it is an unpeated expression. The "trace" smoke is a signature whisper from the distillery's malting heritage, not peat.

Where is Benriach Distillery?
In the Speyside region of Scotland. Founded in 1898 by John Duff, it is now owned by Brown-Forman with Rachel Barrie as Master Blender.

What awards has it won?
Silver at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and 92 points ("Excellent, Highly Recommended") at the 2021 Ultimate Spirits Challenge, per the distillery.

Start your Speyside shelf with the distillery's flagship — buy Benriach 'The Original Ten' online at Del Mesa Liquor and pick it up or have it delivered in San Diego, CA.