1997 Benriach Single Cask Batch 11 #4435 Marsala Finish 16 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Not only a genuine collector's opportunity, but by all reports, sensational whiskies. Don't anticipate these to sit gathering dust on the shelves.

In 2004, Billy Walker (chemist & Master Distiller) together with two South African partners, Geoff Bell and Wayne Kieswetter, purchased BenRiach (and shortly after, GlenDronach and Glenglassaugh). The 5.4 million pound deal included several thousand casks (hence the availability of a 25 Year old. In fact, the distillery's present inventory contains over 20,000 casks, some of which date as far back as 1966).

There are now six collections in the BenRiach stable: “Classic Speyside”, “Peated”, “Wood Finishes”, “Peated Wood Finishes”, “Super Premiums” and “Limited Releases”. Many of the latest expressions embody a tangible passion that goes hand in hand with private ownership. They confirm Jim Murray's high expectations since BenRiach gained another lease of life.

The release of the limited edition Batch 11 Collection has just upped the ante.
These are the vestiges of fourteen casks ranging from 37 to 9 years old, with astonishing variety across the board,  including whiskies in the traditional, classic Speyside style, peated expressions and  wood finishes such as Dark Rum, Tawny Port, Madeira, Virgin Oak, Pedro Ximenez Sherry and Marsala. 
All fourteen casks have been hand-selected by BenRiach’s Managing Director and Master Distiller, Billy Walker, who described them as “absolutely special”. 
He concedes the quality is down to wood selection. “The most important factor is to use top quality casks – Bourbon barrels, Hogsheads and ex-Wine Seasoned casks – and there is a role in the  maturation process for all of these casks. Getting the wood right can be expensive but it’s one of  the things I’m most proud of since we took over BenRiach.”

And what an amazing range there is in Batch Eleven. 
The oldest, 1976 #529, at 44.2% vol, is Sherry Cask Matured and finished in a Bourbon barrel.  Meanwhile the youngest, 2005 # 3781, at 58.7% vol, is a Virgin American Oak Hogshead offering a flood of sweet peat reek. And a third which will no doubt be much sought after is the 1998 cask # 5171, a natural strength beauty,  triple-distilled no less, with a Pedro Ximenez Sherry Finish. 

Not only a genuine collector's opportunity, but by all reports, sensational whiskies. Get in early. There's no telling where prices will be inflated to in the future.

This expression is from a Marsala Hogshead / Marsala finish and bottled at 56.1% vol. Only 412 bottles produced.

No tasting notes available. Extremely limited stocks.