Benriach – (Menteith) 1992/2023 31 Year Old Macbeth Series Act One (70cl, 53.1%)

A 31-year-old Benriach single malt, distilled in 1992 and bottled in 2023 as Menteith, one of The Thanes in the Macbeth Collection and part of Act One. It matured in American oak Bourbon hogsheads that had held whisky before, and 650 bottles were filled at 53.1%. The collection is a partnership between Elixir Distillers and Livingstone, with labels by Sir Quentin Blake that show the characters as birds. Menteith is a ripe, fruity and floral Benriach with a subtle dark note, alongside caramel, a hint of ashy smoke, vanilla, damask rose and sandalwood. It is non-chill-filtered and has no added colour. Tasting notes give elderflower, apple pie and yellow cherries on the nose, then almonds, caramel and pecans on the palate. The long, smooth finish recalls walnut oil, black olives and yellow fruit.