Benrinnes 2016/2026 - 9 Year Old - Koval Bourbon Cask Finish - Cask Partnership Series Murray McDavid

Profile: Benrinnes 2016/2026 - 9 Years - Koval Bourbon Cask Finish - Cask Partnership Series Murray McDavid at a glance

• Speyside origin: This single malt comes from the established Benrinnes distillery in Scotland’s Speyside region, known for whiskies with a firmer, more distinctive style.
• American oak influence: After distillation in 2016, the whisky received a finish in a Koval bourbon cask, adding layers of wood spice and vanilla-driven sweetness.
• Unadorned presentation: Bottled without colouring and at a bold 55.2% ABV, it presents itself in a full-strength, authentic form.
• Independent bottling: Murray McDavid’s Cask Partnership Series focuses on special cask stories, bringing together Scottish spirit and an American cask profile.

Portrait: What defines the Benrinnes 2016/2026 - 9 Years - Koval Bourbon Cask Finish - Cask Partnership Series Murray McDavid

Benrinnes is one of those Speyside distilleries with a clearly recognisable character: more structured than playful, with substance and a pleasant depth. In this bottling, that signature remains intact, but the Koval bourbon cask finish adds a new dimension. The result is a whisky that does not hide its origin, but reframes it through an additional layer of cask influence.

The combination of nine years of maturation, a robust bottling strength and the impact of a bourbon cask linked to the Koval Distillery makes this release especially interesting. The smaller cask format encourages more direct interaction between wood and spirit, allowing sweeter and spicier notes to emerge more clearly. Murray McDavid uses that effect intentionally in the Cask Partnership Series, aiming not to mask the malt’s character, but to refine it.

The result is a single malt Scotch whisky for drinkers who appreciate Speyside whisky with personality. It is not overly polished; instead, it feels lively and layered, with enough strength to be enjoyed neat and enough balance to reward slow exploration.

Tasting Notes: How the Benrinnes 2016/2026 - 9 Years - Koval Bourbon Cask Finish - Cask Partnership Series Murray McDavid tastes

• Aroma: The nose opens with bright fruit notes, including dried pineapple, along with citrus oils, malt, and a subtle bakery-like undertone.
• Palate: On the palate, it feels rounded and concentrated, showing roasted nuts, malty depth, and a gradual, well-placed spice.
• Finish: The finish is medium to long, peppery, and accompanied by gentle fruit notes that fade in a clean, dry way.