Ben Riach Single Cask 2012

Young, high-octane BenRiach from 2012, bottled 2019 at 61.2%, single cask, showing the distillery’s modern, assertive style.

At-a-Glance

Historical Context

Since the mid-2000s BenRiach has been very active in single casks, often putting out young, punchy, sometimes peated barrels to showcase the versatility of the spirit. A 2012 distillation, bottled in 2019 at seven years old and over 61% ABV, fits exactly into that phase: small outturn, full strength, clear cask number on the label, and sold via specialist channels. The 2010s were also the period when BenRiach was happy to bottle unusual woods (virgin oak, wine, sherry) on very young spirit, so a 7-year-old in virgin oak is right in line with their release behaviour.

Technical Specification & Variant Map

Documented variants

• BenRiach Single Cask #7825, distilled 2012, bottled 2019, 7yo, 61.2%, 286 bottles, virgin oak barrel.

• Parallel 2012 BenRiach single casks exist (including peated 2012 casks and independent bottler 2012s), so the cask number must always be stated to avoid confusion.

Variant Matrix

Packaging & authenticity checklist

• Label must show BenRiach, the year 2012 (distilled), age 7 years, cask #7825, bottling year 2019 and 61.2% ABV.

• Tube should match era BenRiach single-cask packaging; many bottles circulate without tube, so state if missing.

• Check bottle number out of 286; photograph it if you are reselling.

Regulatory/terminology notes

• This is a genuine single cask at cask strength.

• Age statement (7 years) is on the label; do not round it up.

• Virgin oak is the cask description; do not call it sherry or wine.

Liquid Profile (from cask type and distillery style)

• Nose: Hot and bright at first because of 61.2%, then sweet oak shavings, vanilla, fresh sawdust, toffee, and orchard fruit sitting underneath.

• Palate: Very powerful arrival; virgin-oak spice, caramel, clove, toasted sweetness, with the underlying Speyside fruit just pushing through the oak.

• Finish: Long, spicy, drying oak, lingering vanilla.

• With water: Needs water. A few drops will release more fruit and make the oak less aggressive.

Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)

• Original RRP (2019): not publicly stated, but in line with other young BenRiach single casks of the time (typically in the £65–£85 launch window).

• Current specialist pricing (where found): often £90–£110 for a clearly identified, under-10-year old cask-strength BenRiach.

• Auction behaviour: young, high-strength single casks from this distillery usually clear a little under new retail once the first buyer lets one go, so a working auction band of £70–£95 is realistic.

• Stratification: complete with tube and clear bottle number at the top; bottle-only slightly lower; misdescribed “BenRiach 2012” with no cask number lower again.

Price Snapshot

Sourcing

• Target: bottles with tube, clear cask number, and no label scuffing.

• Avoid: listings that only say “BenRiach 2012” without cask details.

• Buy near the £75–£85 mark and list around £100 if condition allows.