Benrinnes 1978 G&M Private Collection

Volume: 0.7 litres | Alcohol content: 54.5% | Chill filtration: No | Colouring: No

Special Features:

A single Refill American Hogshead shaped this Benrinnes during its 43 years of maturation. Distilled on 27 March 1978, the single malt matured in cask number 1636 before Gordon & MacPhail bottled it for the Private Collection on 30 December 2021. Refill denotes a cask previously used to mature whisky.

Gordon & MacPhail's directors, including members of the Urquhart family, select exceptional casks for the Private Collection. This Benrinnes yielded a worldwide release of 158 bottles, each containing 0.7 litres. It was bottled at its natural cask strength of 54.5%, without chill filtration or added colouring. A wooden presentation box with a geometric grain pattern is included.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: The nose opens with a lively lemon note and a salty accent. Honeysuckle and pineapple follow, with dried apricots and brown sugar emerging.
• Palate: On the palate, spicy peppercorns balance the sweetness of citrus fruit and watermelon. Marzipan and subtle charred oak notes develop alongside a hint of dried tobacco.
• Finish: Roasted nuts define the medium-to-long finish.

Distillery/Bottler:

Benrinnes is located in Speyside and takes its name from the neighbouring mountain, Ben Rinnes, which also supplies the mineral-rich water used to make its whisky. The distillery uses traditional worm tubs: coiled pipes submerged in cold water condense the spirit vapour back into liquid. This method contributes to the robust, meaty character of Benrinnes spirit.

Rooted in Elgin, Gordon & MacPhail has worked with new-make spirit from Scottish distilleries since 1895. The independent bottler tailors its cask selection to each distillery's character and oversees maturation. The company works with Speyside Cooperage to source North American ex-bourbon casks. Experience passed down through four generations guides the decision on when a whisky is ready to be bottled.

Facts: