Braeval – 2014/2023 8 Year Old Murray McDavid Benchmark (70cl, 56.8%)

This is a single cask Braeval from Speyside, distilled in 2014 and bottled in 2023 by Murray McDavid for its Benchmark series. It is eight years old and comes in a 70cl bottle at a cask strength of 56.8%. The whisky was finished in a first fill bourbon barrel, which brings vanilla and sweet caramel alongside its fruity character. 286 bottles were filled, without chill filtration or added colour. The nose is buttery pastry and juicy orchard fruit, with almond and walnut. On the palate come baked apple crumble, fresh barley malt and ripe apricot. The long finish carries mild oak, vanilla and sweet spice.